Significant changes have been announced by Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, which starts today. These include barring children from accompanying pilgrims and giving priority to those undertaking the pilgrimage for the first time. These adjustments mark the most substantial changes to pilgrimage access in recent times.
The Hajj, a central tenet of Islam involving around two million Muslims annually, requires every capable Muslim to journey to Saudi Arabia at least once. The pilgrimage, once a simple desert trek, has evolved into a complex logistical operation, and these new regulations represent notable shifts in its 1,400-year history.
The pilgrimage consists of several days of rituals, such as circling the Ka’ba in Mecca, praying at Mount Arafat, and performing acts of devotion that honor the traditions of the Prophet Abraham and his family. Shaykh Waleed Basyouni, President of AlMaghrib Institute, describes Hajj as “a profound spiritual journey for Muslims,” offering “a time for reflection, repentance, and a renewal of faith.”
Children Banned
The prohibition of children accompanying their guardians is the most debated change. Basyouni, a veteran of numerous pilgrimages, noted the surprise and shock this decision evoked.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah explained that the decision was made with safety in mind. The previous year saw over 1,300 deaths during the Hajj, mainly due to extreme heat and overcrowding. However, the new rule departs from the long-standing tradition of families traveling together for this religious obligation.
The exact minimum age for attendance remains unclear. Some sources mention 12 years, while others suggest a higher age limit set by Saudi Arabia. This confusion might stem from differing interpretations of personal development, as Islamic law considers anyone who has not reached puberty a child.
Another factor is the weather. This year’s pilgrimage again coincides with intense summer heat. Due to the Islamic calendar’s shift of about 10 days earlier each year, the Hajj will occur in winter between 2034 and 2041, following a natural seasonal progression over a 33-year cycle.
Basyouni suggests that restrictions on children may be specific to the hot summer periods and could be revised when the weather is milder, given the Hajj’s lunar calendar-based timing.
First-Time Pilgrims Get Priority
Another significant change is the implementation of a system that favors Muslims undertaking the Hajj for the first time. This addresses concerns about equity within the global Muslim community, where repeat pilgrims from wealthier nations have had an easier time securing spots compared to first-timers from less developed countries. Hajj travel packages range from $10,000 to $15,000 per person.
Basyouni hopes this issue can be resolved, noting that the high cost of fulfilling this religious pillar creates a significant barrier. “I don’t know of any ritual in the world for any religion that costs that much money.”
AI, A.C. and Access
This year’s Hajj will be monitored by AI-powered drones with thermal imaging, enabling authorities to oversee millions of pilgrims in real-time and quickly address potential safety concerns. For the first time, Saudi Civil Defense is using “Saqr” (Falcon), an AI system that can identify unauthorized pilgrims, supporting the “No Hajj Without a Permit” policy.
The Grand Mosque features the world’s largest cooling system, with a refrigeration capacity of 155,000 , reflecting Saudi Arabia’s response to increasing heat during the Hajj. Last year, temperatures reached Fahrenheit during the rites. Other heat対策措施 for 2025 include increasing shaded areas by 50,000 square meters, deploying over 400 cooling units, and having thousands of additional medics on standby.
Abdul-Malik Merchant, an Imam at the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) in Virginia, praised the changes, stating, “It gets very hot, so I think [the change] is wonderful.” Merchant, who has participated in seven Hajj pilgrimages, recalled the 2015 that resulted in 2,400 deaths, a catastrophic toll even given the of mass casualty events.
Saudi Arabia has also its visa policy, travelers from 14 countries—including Pakistan, Iraq and Morocco—to only a single-entry visa. Previously, individuals with multiple-entry visas would enter during Hajj season and participate without a permit. The Hajj visa’s duration has also been , expiring on July 6th, 2025. Access to the holy cities has been restricted since late April, allowing only official Hajj visa holders, valid residents, and authorized personnel into Makkah. This year, 269,000 individuals have been prevented from entering the city due to lacking proper permits.
Basyouni notes that “Muslim jurists say it is allowed for the government to put restrictions on some religious rituals.” He cited the COVID-19 vaccination requirement as an example of protecting travelers during the pandemic. He emphasized that any new rule must provide a clear benefit.
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