Free camp beds bring comfort to weary Hajj pilgrims

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These beds are foldable and portable, don’t require a large space to store them, and are fairly well priced. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 July 2021
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Free camp beds bring comfort to weary Hajj pilgrims

  • Normally a luxury for the lucky few, during this year’s limited Hajj all 60,000 pilgrims were provided with one at no extra cost

MAKKAH: The care and comfort of pilgrims is a top priority for authorities in the Saudi Arabia. Each year the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah works with the companies that organize Hajj trips to develop plans and introduce measures that can help to better serve pilgrims, in an effort to make what can be a physically demanding experience as easy and comfortable as possible.

One such service that was introduced some years ago was the option to hire a cushioned camp bed for use during certain stages of Hajj, including the outdoor overnight stay in Muzdalifa after a long day dedicated to prayer at Mount Arafat. This is the third phase of Hajj, during which pilgrims perform Maghrib and Isha prayers and begin to collect the stones they will use in Mina during the stoning of the pillar.

Normally only a small proportion of the millions of pilgrims have a bed. The vast majority rest or sleep as best they can on the ground. But this year, with the number of Hajj pilgrims restricted to only 60,000 people living in the country to prevent the spread of COVID-19, every one of them was provided with one free of charge.

Many were were not aware they were even an option and so were surprised to find a bed waiting for them. Many other Muslims around the world also learned about the beds for the first time as videos and photographs were shared on social media by pilgrims documenting their 2021 Hajj experience.

“I was very surprised to find sofa beds and blankets prepared for us, along with the dinner,” said Asaad Alesa, an expatriate pilgrim from Jordan who lives in Jeddah. “This has really made my day as we have been standing the whole day at Mina.

“I feel really blessed to be among the 60,000 pilgrims for this Hajj season and so far, thankfully, the services have been more than excellent.”

Badi Alshareef, the leader of a Hajj group at Muzdalifa, told Arab News: “The camp cushion beds have been available for more than 20 years now. They are very comfortable for pilgrims and available at the three holy sites.

“These beds are foldable and portable, don’t require a large space to store them, and are fairly well priced. Pilgrims usually sit on these foldable beds during the daytime and then use them as a bed. Some of the sofa beds feature storage areas where pilgrims can keep their personal belongings. It is basically a full unit used by pilgrims as a chair, bed, phone charger and storage area.”

“This service is available to all Hajj companies, and different types and levels are available depending on the company.”

Saad Alsaeagh, the operations manager of Bshaer Hajj Camping, which was also working with pilgrims at Muzdalifa, told Arab News: “To offer pilgrims an exceptional Hajj experience in this exceptional year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set a new technical mechanism for registration and the management of Hajj campaigns.

“This has helped us, as leaders and managers, a lot in developing many services accordingly, including better-quality Hajj experience for pilgrims and better managerial performance by campaign leaders.”

He added: “Since the very beginning of the season, we have been well prepared to receive pilgrims and help them to perform Hajj in the best way possible.”

 


Smart tech aids lifesaving care for Hajj pilgrim

King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah. (SPA)
Updated 07 June 2025
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Smart tech aids lifesaving care for Hajj pilgrim

  • After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely

MAKKAH: A Moroccan pilgrim who had suffered a “severe” heart attack was admitted to King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, where she received “urgent care supported by smartwatch technology and continuous virtual monitoring,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The hospital, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, reported that the patient also suffered from chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes.

She “underwent cardiac catheterization, during which a drug-eluting stent was placed in the left anterior descending artery,” the SPA reported.

After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely.

Later, in Mina, the smartwatch detected abnormal readings as the patient experienced chest pain again, triggering an alert. The virtual care team directed her to Mina Al-Jisr Hospital, where she was evaluated and admitted for observation. Once stable, she was discharged with a treatment plan and continued virtual follow-up.

This case “illustrates the strength of Saudi Arabia’s digital health infrastructure during Hajj and reflects the Ministry of Health’s progress toward Vision 2030, prioritizing high-quality, smart healthcare for pilgrims,” the SPA wrote.

 


Nusuk app guides more than 35k pilgrims on Eid Al-Adha

Updated 07 June 2025
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Nusuk app guides more than 35k pilgrims on Eid Al-Adha

  • Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals

MAKKAH: The Nusuk app — developed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, played a “key role” on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, helping to guide more than 35,000 Hajj pilgrims, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The app “highlights the ministry’s commitment to using technology for smooth pilgrim movement and effective crowd management at the holy sites, reflecting integrated technical and operational services during Hajj,” the SPA wrote.

Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals. With direct links to 25 government agencies and 10 private sector entities, Nusuk — a part of the ministry’s digital-transformation drive in line with Vision 2030 — “has become a comprehensive platform for the pilgrim journey,” the SPA reported.

For this year’s Hajj, the ministry added more than 30 new services to the app, including Nusuk AI — a digital assistant that provides guidance and responds to pilgrims’ inquiries via voice and text in multiple languages.

 


Saudi crown prince urges international community to end Israeli aggression in Gaza

Updated 07 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince urges international community to end Israeli aggression in Gaza

  • Prince Mohammed made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina

MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday reaffirmed “the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences” of Israel’s “aggression” in Gaza.

He made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“The suffering of our brothers in Palestine continues as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression, he said.

“We reaffirm the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences of this aggression, protecting innocent civilians, and working toward a new reality in which Palestine can enjoy peace in accordance with international legitimacy and relevant resolutions.”

The crown prince was speaking during a meeting with Eid Al-Adha well-wishers at the Royal Court in Mina Palace.

“God Almighty has honored this country with the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including pilgrims, Umrah performers and other guests,” he said, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia places this sacred duty at the forefront of its priorities, harnessing all its capabilities to serve the guests of God and ensuring that they are able to perform their rituals with ease and comfort.

The crown prince reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to fulfilling this responsibility, recognizing both the great honor and the immense trust it entails.

“We ask God Almighty to perpetuate security and stability in our country, in all Muslim countries and across the world,” he said.

“May He accept the Hajj of the pilgrims to the House of God and return them safely to their families.”


MWL chief meets Syria’s Awqaf minister

Updated 07 June 2025
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MWL chief meets Syria’s Awqaf minister

  • They discussed a variety of topics of common interest

RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, met with the Syrian Arab Republic’s Minister of Awqaf Mohammad Abu Al-hair Shukri to discuss “a variety of topics of common interest,” the MWL wrote in a post on X on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh recently met with the Malaysian delegation of Islamic leaders participating in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

 

 


Saudi Crown Prince meets Maldivian, Mauritanian presidents to discuss partnership opportunities

Updated 07 June 2025
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Saudi Crown Prince meets Maldivian, Mauritanian presidents to discuss partnership opportunities

  • Two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings and discussed ways to strengthen relations

MINA: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met on Saturday with President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives at the Royal Court in Mina Palace, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings and discussed ways to strengthen relations and expand cooperation between their countries across various fields, SPA added.

The meeting reflected ongoing efforts to bolster Saudi-Maldivian ties and explore new avenues for partnership.

A number of senior Saudi officials attended the meeting, including Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports; Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, Minister of Interior; Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defense; and Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

From the Maldivian side, the delegation included several ministers including Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel.

The high-level talks come as Saudi Arabia continues to deepen engagement with nations across South Asia, in line with its broader diplomatic and economic outreach initiatives.

Also on Saturday, Prince Mohammed held talks with President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.

Prince Mohammed held talks with President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. (SPA)

They also exchanged congratulations on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, in addition to discussing overall relations and ways to enhance them in various fields, SPA reported.