Saudi Arabia has introduced major changes for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, the most significant in modern history, including a ban on children accompanying pilgrims and prioritizing first-time attendees. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj cites safety concerns after a tragic year in 2024 that saw over 1,300 deaths primarily due to extreme heat and overcrowding. Although the age restriction for children remains ambiguous, this shift breaks a long-held tradition of families performing the pilgrimage together, highlighting the evolving logistics of this vital religious journey.
The changes represent the most significant transformation of pilgrimage access in modern history, reflecting a major shift in how Hajj is approached and conducted.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah cited safety for the decision to ban children, citing past tragedies like the 1,300 deaths in 2024 due to heat and overcrowding.
Collection
[
|
...
]