Indian Cultural Society and Bazme-Osmania Jeddah have announced that like in the previous years they would make their voluntary contribution toward the Consulate General of India’s arrangements for the pilgrims coming for the annual Haj.
“Facilitating the pilgrims in making their Haj successful is uppermost for all of us and it is laudable that voluntary organizations are coming forward to make their contribution in the voluminous task of Haj arrangements,” one of the chief guests said at an Eid Milap meeting held to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. “An exclusive wing has been set up at the consulate for the welfare of the community, P.K. Jain, consul for labor and community welfare, said while speaking as the chief guest. Consul (Haj) Mohamad Noor Rahman attended the meeting as the guest of honor.
Arif Quraishi, who heads the two bodies, said both the organizations were involved in community welfare activities for more than three decades. “Making voluntary contribution to the welfare of both Haj and Umrah pilgrims is the main objective of the two organizations, aside from celebrating Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, as well as India’s Independence Day and Republic Day every year,” he said.
Speakers also lauded Quraishi for collecting thousands of used textbooks from the students of Indian international schools and distributing them among the poor and needy for the last 15 years.
Indian cultural bodies join consulate to streamline Haj arrangements
Indian cultural bodies join consulate to streamline Haj arrangements
Guardians of the sacred: SRCA and university volunteers unite to shield pilgrims
- The SRCA’s logistical symphony spans 578 ambulances, nine helicopter surveillance teams and 80 rapid-response vehicles
ARAFAT: Beneath Makkah’s unrelenting sun, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, or SRCA, and university volunteers have engineered a sanctuary of safety for Hajj 2025.
From SRCA’s 7,517 paramedics to Umm Al-Qura University’s medical students, this human tapestry works in lockstep across Islam’s holiest sites.
The SRCA’s logistical symphony spans 578 ambulances, nine helicopter surveillance teams and 80 rapid-response vehicles threading through human currents.
Mobility support includes 500 electric scooters and 205 golf carts pre-positioned at ritual grounds, while 633 logistics specialists orchestrate medical supply chains.
Fourteen emergency clinics and 32 first-aid stations anchor operations, with nine ambulance buses drilled for mass casualties.
Volunteers confront predictable yet constant health threats. Kholood Abdulwasea, an SRCA volunteer who traveled from Madinah to serve in Makkah, reported: “The cases we face, mostly they were having heat exhaustion. Some of them had hypoglycemia.” She credited mitigation efforts: “It wasn’t much because of the water sprays and the efforts put into providing water.”
Medical students corroborated this clinical landscape. Rawabi Omar Al-Arabi, a fifth-year Umm Al-Qura University medical student leading the Systematic Hajj Program, cited heatstroke, dehydration and hypoglycemia as predominant issues.
Jannah Halawani, a second-year peer heading the Media Committee, expanded the list, as she told Arab News: “Heatstroke, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, plus fractures or wounds needing stitches.”
Coordinating 10,000 caregivers across shifting pilgrim tides presented particular hurdles. Al-Arabi highlighted accommodation logistics as her team’s steepest challenge: “Coordinating large volunteer groups across field hospitals while ensuring 24/7 oversight. That’s the toughest part.”
Transportation emerged as another pressure point. Halawani emphasized the complexity of reaching ritual sites such as Arafat and Mina, calling it a “massive time and coordination” effort.
Beyond statistics, the human spirit defined the mission. Abdulwasea called her contribution an enduring honor: “It was a good day and I’m honored to be part of this noble mission.”
For university volunteers, the experience resonated deeper. Al-Arabi described serving pilgrims as “life-changing,” stressing that sacrificing seven days with family was “worth every second” for the privilege of honoring Allah’s guests.
Halawani captured the sentiment: “An indescribable privilege. Being chosen by Allah to serve Hajj pilgrims honors both the location and the moment. If you get this chance? Grab it. It’s truly unmissable.”
Arafat sermon emphasizes faith and unity
- Sheikh bin Hamid says Day of Arafat is a ‘great station of faith’
DUBAI: Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Hamid, imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque, delivered the annual Arafat sermon on Thursday at Namirah Mosque, marking one of the most sacred moments of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Addressing pilgrims gathered on the plains of Arafat, Sheikh Bin Hamid described the Day of Arafat as a “great station of faith” where the meanings of monotheism, piety and unity among Muslims were embodied. He urged worshippers to seize the spiritual opportunity of the day through remembrance, gratitude and sincere supplication to Allah.
“The Day of Arafat is a time when Muslims stand as one before their creator, equal in faith, stripped of worldly distinctions, adorned with the values of servitude and humility,” he said. “It is a day of answered prayers and multiplied good deeds.”
The sermon was attended by senior Saudi officials and religious leaders, including Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of Makkah Region and vice chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Abdullatif Al Al-Sheikh, and Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
The Arafat sermon is considered the spiritual centerpiece of Hajj, drawing millions of Muslims each year to the site where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon over 1,400 years ago.
Arafat’s Namirah Mosque equipped with advanced comfort features for pilgrims
- The mosque features six 60-meter minarets, three domes, 10 main entrances with 64 doors, and a radio room for live satellite broadcasts of the Arafat sermon
RIYADH: Namirah Mosque, a pivotal religious and historical landmark in Arafat, draws millions of pilgrims for the Dhuhr and Asr prayers on the Day of Arafat.
It spans more than 110,000 sq m and accommodates about 350,000 worshippers.
The mosque features six 60-meter minarets, three domes, 10 main entrances with 64 doors, and a radio room for live satellite broadcasts of the Arafat sermon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
For this Hajj season, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has covered the mosque with 125,000 sq. m of luxurious carpets and initiated extensive development projects.
These measures include installing 19 canopies (reducing the temperature by 10 degrees Celsius), applying reflective paint to the floors, and operating 117 misting fans (reducing the temperature by 9C).
The ventilation and air-conditioning system has been upgraded with smart controls, renewing the air completely twice an hour.
Health services now include 70 water cooling units, serving up to 140,000 pilgrims an hour.
A comprehensive restoration also included upgrades to thermal and water insulation, flooring, paint, LED lighting, electrical panels and drainage systems.
The mosque also features an advanced audio system, security cameras, and 72 controlled entry and exit gates, all managed by 24/7 operations teams.
In related efforts, Kidana Development Co., the main developer of the holy sites, has implemented support projects around Namirah Mosque.
These include installing 320 canopies and 350 sprinkler columns, and planting more than 290,000 sq m of greenery (exceeding 20,000 trees) to enhance pilgrims’ comfort and spiritual experience.
How to stay cool during Hajj pilgrimage
- To minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses during this year’s pilgrimage, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health has launched an awareness kit in eight languages
RIYADH: This year, millions of local and international pilgrims have prepared for Saudi Arabia’s summer weather by packing essentials and staying hydrated to prevent heat exhaustion.
In 2024, approximately 225 pilgrims were treated for heat stress and fatigue at the medical center in Makkah due to heat exhaustion and sunstroke.
To minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses during this year’s pilgrimage, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health has launched an awareness kit in eight languages.
The kit provides guidelines to help pilgrims prevent heat exhaustion. It includes videos, social media posts, and printable materials available in Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Malay and Turkish.
The kit advises pilgrims to stay hydrated and to use umbrellas to reduce direct sun exposure.
Huda Almubarak, a Saudi physiotherapist who performed Hajj 11 years ago, shared how she prepared herself physically before the pilgrimage by exercising to improve her stamina.
“On a physical level, I exercised to try to improve my stamina. I (also) attended Hajj class, which helps you prepare yourself for the spiritual journey.”
To avoid dehydration, Almubarak drank room temperature water in small amounts throughout the day, maintained a healthy diet, and wore breathable garments.
“I ate a lot of fiber and avoided oily food. I suggest pilgrims wear cotton clothes and proper shoes that have good support for the feet.” For sun protection, she recommended using sunblock, carrying an umbrella, and wearing a hat or cap.
Almubarak emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include headaches, excessive sweating, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, and pale skin.
“There are medical centers all over the place,” she added. “It’s better to check with them if you experience any symptoms or discomfort.”
Thanks to taking these precautionary measures, Almubarak described her Hajj experience as “uniquely spiritual.”
“Hajj made me appreciate all the power and hard work from our government to make it smoother and safer.”
The health awareness kit is available for download at: www.moh.gov.sa/HealthAwareness/Pilgrims_Health/Pages/Hajj.aspx.
Hajj pilgrims cautioned on skincare as Makkah heat rises risk of complications
- Expert shares tips on how to stay healthy during the physically demanding pilgrimage
- Common skin ailments can be avoided with some forward planning
JEDDAH: The Hajj season is a deeply spiritual journey, but it also brings unique physical challenges — especially under the intense summer heat of Makkah.
Long hours outdoors, large crowds and continuous movement between rituals all place heavy demands on the body, particularly the skin.
For pilgrims, staying mindful of skin care is essential for comfort and preventing common heat-related skin conditions that can disrupt the Hajj experience.
The Saudi Ministry of Health reminds pilgrims each year to take simple yet effective steps to protect their skin from heat and dryness during the Hajj journey.
According to the ministry, common skin problems during the Hajj include dermatitis, skin chafing, sunburn and fungal infections such as ringworm and tinea cruris.
One of the most frequently reported issues during the pilgrimage is skin chafing or intertrigo, especially in areas like the inner thighs, underarms and under the breasts.
This is more common among pilgrims with diabetes or obesity, and is typically caused by friction, heat and sweat buildup.
Sunburn is another common problem, especially for pilgrims not accustomed to intense sunlight. Prolonged exposure without protection can lead to painful redness, swelling or even blisters.
The hot and humid conditions during Hajj create an ideal environment for fungal infections like ringworm, which usually appear as dark, itchy circular patches — especially in areas like the groin or inner thighs.
Dermatologist Dr. Fatimah Sattof told Arab News: “Skincare is especially important during the Hajj season due to pilgrims’ prolonged and direct exposure to the sun, which can lead to excessive dryness, pigmentation and even skin cancer in extreme cases.
“Sun exposure is also a major factor in collagen breakdown, which contributes to thinning skin and early wrinkles. Moisturizing is essential — both by drinking plenty of water and by using protective creams,” she added.
In addition to medical recommendations, Sattof highlighted practical measures that pilgrims can take to safeguard their skin.
“Fragrance-free moisturizers are always preferred, as scented products can increase skin sensitivity,” she said.
“I recommend combining different methods of protection: Chemical sunscreens, physical barriers like umbrellas and masks, and wearing light-colored clothing to reflect the sun’s rays.
“If you feel any burning or sensitivity, try MEBO ointment and avoid sun exposure until symptoms ease.”
She also reminded pilgrims that hydration is key — not just for the body, but for the skin as well. “Drinking enough water is essential, and pilgrims should apply moisturizers during times when the sun isn’t intense. These should be free from perfumes and irritants to prevent allergic reactions,” she said.
“Luckily, all necessary skincare items — sunblock, moisturizers and protective clothing — are readily available in Saudi Arabia at the nearest pharmacy. There’s no need to overpack. A good sunscreen and a gentle moisturizer are more than enough.”
To prevent skin chafing:
Keep irritated areas clean and dry.
Ensure proper ventilation and wear breathable clothing.
Wash daily and dry well, especially after rituals.
Use protective ointments or powders before walking.
To treat sunburn:
Stay in shaded or indoor areas as much as possible.
Take cool showers to relieve discomfort.
Apply fragrance-free moisturizers, ideally with aloe vera or soy.
Use pain relievers if needed and increase your water intake to stay hydrated.
Avoid popping blisters; they serve as natural protection during healing.
To prevent fungal infections:
Practice strict personal hygiene.
Dry the body thoroughly after each shower.
Use clean, dry underwear and avoid sharing towels or garments.
Last year’s Hajj season witnessed unprecedented temperatures in Makkah, ranging between 46 and 51 degrees Celsius, leading to more than 2,760 cases of heatstroke in a single day.
Hussein Al-Qahtani, spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, said that forecasts indicate this year’s Hajj will also be marked by extremely high temperatures, potentially exceeding 49 degrees Celsius.
Sattof highlighted the importance of sun protection: The 2025 Hajj season will be the last to fall during summer for the next 16 years, due to the gradual shift in the Islamic lunar calendar.
From 2026 onward, Hajj will move into the cooler months, gradually transitioning from spring to winter — offering future pilgrims some relief from extreme heat conditions.
