Ahead of Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia has announced a new policy prohibiting pilgrims from bringing children to the holy sites, citing safety concerns due to overcrowding.
In an official statement, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that the decision aims to safeguard children from potential harm during the pilgrimage. “This step has been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to mitigate any potential risks during the Hajj pilgrimage,” the ministry stated.
Additionally, priority for Hajj 2025 will be given to first-time pilgrims. The Saudi authorities have also introduced enhanced services for Pakistani pilgrims, ensuring a smoother experience.
As part of the new initiatives, a condensed 20-25 day Hajj program has been introduced to improve convenience and comfort. Under this program:
- Pilgrims will receive designated accommodations in Mina.
- Costs for the pilgrimage will be reduced.
- Accommodation options in Madinah will range from four to eight days.
To further enhance the experience, all necessary pilgrim information will be available through a dedicated mobile app. Each pilgrim will also receive a specially designed bag containing the Pakistani flag, a QR code for identification, and essential information.
These measures reflect Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to improve Hajj services while ensuring the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.
