Mostly optimization because its easier to deal with people who all speak the same language rather than having a hodgepodge of languages and cultures. One has to try and imagine the amount of different kind of people these are, its quite over-whelming.
Regarding doing it in waves. Its technically not possible because its a certain time of the year that one can do Hajj, and its not a whole year thing otherwise it wouldn't be such a issue. Its a five day period starting on a specific date determined by the Islamic Calendar which is based on the Lunar Cycle.
So, For Example, the Hajj start this year on the 12th of this month and continues for a five day period in which millions of people will flock to the country. Last year it was 2,000,000 people in total.
At the end of day, it is possible to manage large crowds such as this but Saudi's are basically not putting in the effort. The amount of resources they have, don't justify this being this bad. Hell, Most other Islamic countries also often criticize Saudi's specifically on this issue. I think Iran has called them murderers or something for last years accident.
Regarding doing it in waves. Its technically not possible because its a certain time of the year that one can do Hajj, and its not a whole year thing otherwise it wouldn't be such a issue. Its a five day period starting on a specific date determined by the Islamic Calendar which is based on the Lunar Cycle.
So, For Example, the Hajj start this year on the 12th of this month and continues for a five day period in which millions of people will flock to the country. Last year it was 2,000,000 people in total.
At the end of day, it is possible to manage large crowds such as this but Saudi's are basically not putting in the effort. The amount of resources they have, don't justify this being this bad. Hell, Most other Islamic countries also often criticize Saudi's specifically on this issue. I think Iran has called them murderers or something for last years accident.