Muslim pilgrims pray around the holy Kaaba during their final circling at the Grand Mosque during the annual hajj pilgrimage for this year in Mecca October 6, 2014 (Photo: Reuters)
The number of Egyptian pilgrims who have died in Saudi Arabia climbed to 16 Saturday, state news agency MENA quoted the health ministry as saying.
All cases died of natural causes, including heat exhaustion, high blood pressure and hypertension.
Over 80,000 Egyptian pilgrims are in Saudi Arabia to perform hajj this year
The hajj and lesser umrah pilgrimages bring millions of Muslims to Saudi Arabia from around the globe every year.
Mortality due to heat exhaustion, fatigue and other natural causes during the pilgrimage is common.
Fatal crowd stampedes are also regular occurrences due to the volume of pilgrims along the pilgrimage route.
Saudi media reported that authorities have undertaken new safety measures after more than 2,000 died in a stampede last year. This includes having pilgrims wear electronic safety bracelets.
One of the five pillars of Islam, the hajj must be performed at least once in a lifetime by all Muslims who can afford the costly and difficult trip.
Short link: