In a proactive move to ensure the health and safety of millions of Muslim faithful expected to perform the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that its emergency health assistance service, known as the 937 hotline, will provide round-the-clock medical support in seven major international languages. This is in line with the country’s intensified efforts to accommodate the diverse needs of pilgrims arriving from over 180 countries.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that the multilingual service will be available throughout the Hajj season, coinciding with the Islamic year 1446 AH. Hajj 2025 officially begins on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, which falls on June 4, 2025, with Arafat Day to be observed on June 5 and Eid al-Adha commencing on June 6.
This health initiative forms a critical component of the kingdom’s broader healthcare preparedness plan for the pilgrimage, which is expected to draw millions to the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah. Medical personnel and emergency services will be on high alert, with hospitals, mobile clinics, and rapid response units stationed strategically across key religious sites.
The languages to be supported through the 937 hotline include Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Indonesian, Farsi (Persian), and Turkish — a linguistic selection that reflects the most widely spoken languages among the global Muslim population. According to a spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Health, the support team is trained not only in medical protocols but also in cultural competence, ensuring that interactions are handled with respect and professionalism.
In a region where temperatures can soar and physical demands during rituals are intense, the Ministry stressed the importance of early intervention and timely communication. Pilgrims are strongly advised to save the 937 hotline on their mobile phones and to utilize it immediately if they feel unwell, require medical guidance, or observe any health emergencies around them.
Saudi authorities have continuously expanded their healthcare infrastructure around the annual pilgrimage. With over two million pilgrims anticipated in 2025, the multilingual medical support service is expected to bridge communication gaps that often hinder effective treatment in emergency scenarios, especially for non-Arabic speakers.
This latest development reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all pilgrims during one of Islam’s most significant religious gatherings. the initiative is also part of Vision 2030’s broader goal to enhance service delivery and ensure a safe, spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for all.
