pt.euronews.com
Hajj 2024: Fewer Pilgrims Amidst Extreme Heat
Over 1.5 million foreign Muslims are currently in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, a decrease from last year and significantly less than pre-pandemic levels; the event is marked by extreme heat, prompting increased safety and healthcare measures by the Saudi Arabian government.
- How has the Saudi Arabian government responded to the challenges of extreme heat and the massive influx of pilgrims during Hajj?
- The reduction in Hajj pilgrims this year, despite the religious significance of the event, highlights challenges posed by extreme heat and the ongoing recovery from the pandemic's impact on global travel. Saudi Arabia's investments in crowd control and healthcare infrastructure underscore the scale of managing this massive pilgrimage.
- What is the impact of the decrease in Hajj pilgrims this year compared to previous years, and what are the significant challenges faced during the pilgrimage?
- Over 1.5 million foreign pilgrims are in Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj, a significant decrease from last year's 1,611,310 and far fewer than the pre-pandemic peak of over 2 million. This year's Hajj is marked by extreme heat, prompting Saudi Arabia to plant 10,000 trees and increase hospital bed capacity and medical personnel.
- What long-term implications might climate change and other factors have on the future of the Hajj pilgrimage, and what measures should be considered to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims?
- The significant drop in Hajj attendance compared to pre-pandemic levels suggests that factors beyond the pandemic, such as extreme heat and potentially economic constraints, may now influence participation. Future Hajj events will require continued investment in mitigation strategies to ensure safety and manage potential health crises associated with climate change and large-scale gatherings.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the Hajj primarily through the lens of the number of foreign pilgrims, highlighting the decrease compared to previous years and the pre-pandemic boom. This emphasis might unintentionally downplay the religious significance and other aspects of the event.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual. The article uses descriptive language but avoids loaded terms or subjective opinions.
Bias by Omission
The article omits the number of domestic pilgrims participating in the Hajj, focusing primarily on the number of foreign pilgrims. This omission might lead readers to underestimate the overall size and impact of the Hajj.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Hajj pilgrimage generates significant revenue for the Saudi Arabian economy, potentially alleviating poverty among local communities through employment opportunities and related economic activities. While not explicitly stated, the positive economic impact indirectly contributes to poverty reduction.