A fire has engulfed the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in the Sharamansur area of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The hotel was hosting over 480 Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj through private tour operators.
The blaze, which broke out on Saturday, caused extensive damage to sections of the building.
Fortunately, no lives were lost, as the pilgrims were away in Mina at the time, observing the symbolic stoning ritual—an essential rite of the Hajj pilgrimage.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), confirmed the incident and expressed gratitude for the swift response of Saudi fire services and hotel staff, whose efforts helped contain the blaze and prevent any casualties.
NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Usman promptly visited the site to assess the extent of the damage.
Visibly shaken by the destruction, Usman offered comfort to the affected pilgrims and praised the prompt intervention of local authorities.
“Our priority is the safety and comfort of our pilgrims,” he said. “We have arranged immediate relocation to alternative accommodations and will provide every support within our capacity to minimise their distress.”
Usman also commended the Saudi fire service and the hotel management for their quick response to the incident.
