Saudi Arabia Has Announced Drastic Changes for the 2025 Hajj Pilgrimage [VERTICAL]

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00:00Saudi Arabia announced drastic changes for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. The Hajj is one of the

00:06five pillars of Islam and draws about two million Muslims annually to Saudi Arabia

00:10to complete the journey that every mature, able-bodied Muslim is required to undertake

00:13at least once. The new policies mark some of the most significant shifts in its 1400-year history.

00:19Children have been banned from this year's Hajj, breaking with centuries of tradition

00:23where families often travel together. The Saudi ministry cited safety for the decision.

00:28In 2024, more than 1300 people died during the pilgrimage, primarily from extreme heat and

00:33overcrowding. For safety, the Saudis have deployed a network of AI-powered drones with thermal imaging

00:37technology that authorities will use to monitor millions of pilgrims in real time for swift

00:42responses to potential threats. New heat mitigation measures have been implemented this year that

00:47include the world's largest cooling system, with a capacity of 155,000 tons of refrigeration,

00:53along with over 400 cooling units and expanded shaded areas. The host kingdom also changed its visa

00:59policy, limiting travelers from 14 countries to only a single-entry visa. An entry to the holy cities

01:05has been tightened. Saudi Arabia also instituted a system favoring Muslims who have never completed the

01:11Hajj. The change addresses long-standing equity concerns within the global Muslim community, where repeat

01:16pilgrims from wealthier nations could more easily secure spots than first-time pilgrims from developing

01:21countries, as Hajj travel packages range from $10,000 to $15,000 per person.