A recent study by the Research and Innovation Center at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center has revealed a substantial decrease in sunstroke cases among Hajj pilgrims, thanks to Saudi Arabia's effective preventive measures against the high temperatures during the pilgrimage season.

Despite a steady rise in temperatures in Mecca, which have increased by 0.4 degrees Celsius per decade, the incidence of heat stroke has dropped by 74.6%, and the mortality rate from such cases has decreased by 47.6%.

Published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, the research highlights Saudi Arabia’s successful strategies over the past 40 years to mitigate health risks during Hajj, a period known for its extreme heat.

Key strategies include the installation of mist fans and water mist columns, distribution of water and umbrellas, and the introduction of air-conditioned transportation such as the Mashair Train in 2010.

The study also emphasizes enhanced educational efforts on heat-related illnesses for both pilgrims and healthcare providers, ensuring free healthcare services during Hajj, and improved monitoring and management of heat-related health cases as per guidelines from the Saudi Ministry of Health.

The study's findings are globally significant, given the unique environment of Hajj, which draws millions of pilgrims from over 180 countries to Saudi Arabia’s high-temperature desert conditions.