The Hajj pilgrimage begins Wednesday, marking the last summer Hajj until the mid-2040s. Saudi Arabia is taking extensive precautions to avoid a repeat of last year's deadly heatwave, which killed over 1,300 pilgrims. Over 1.4 million pilgrims have arrived, but authorities have stopped nearly 270,000 without permits. Preventive measures include planting trees, installing misting fans, and increasing healthcare workers by 25%. The extreme heat, exceeding 120°F, remains a significant concern.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.