Saudi Arabia advises pilgrims against sleeping in corridors to ensure safety during Hajj

Dubai: As millions prepare to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has advised pilgrims against lying down or sleeping in corridors and aisles within the holy sites.

The ministry emphasized that adherence to this rule is essential to safeguard the safety and smooth movement of pilgrims during the rituals.

The ministry highlighted that spreading out in passageways and courtyards creates serious obstacles for worshippers and delays emergency response teams from reaching those in need.

It further warned that such behavior intensifies overcrowding, increasing the risk to public safety.

Pilgrims are urged to rest only inside designated areas such as hotels or tents. “Respecting the allocated spaces contributes to a smoother flow of movement and reduces risks during the busiest moments of Hajj,” the ministry said.

Pilgrims have already begun flocking to Mecca in anticipation of Hajj 2025, which is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9, depending on the lunar calendar.

This year’s pilgrimage will be the last to occur during the intense summer heat for the next 16 years, as the Islamic lunar calendar shifts the Hajj season into cooler months starting in 2026.

 -- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE