Doctors provide tips on how to stay healthy during the Hajj pilgrimage

A medical practitioner says pilgrims must be aware of their own medical history and should take precautions. (Huda Bashatah/AN)
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Updated 01 July 2023
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Doctors provide tips on how to stay healthy during the Hajj pilgrimage

  • Health professionals urge visitors to be mindful of respiratory illnesses, food poisoning and heat stroke
  • While the WHO has declared the pandemic over, pilgrims should be aware COVID-19 is still circulating

DUBAI: More than 2 million Muslims are expected to take part in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah — a spiritual journey that forms an integral part of the Islamic faith. The visit, however, can be extremely demanding on the body and mind.

As pilgrims descend on Saudi Arabia for the six-day journey to the holy sites, doctors are encouraging visitors to prioritize their health so that they are able to complete the religious rituals before celebrating Eid later in the week.

Contrary to the rules put in place over the last two years, Saudi Arabia is no longer imposing an age limit on older pilgrims. As a result, the number of Muslims performing Hajj in 2023 is expected to return to, or even surpass, pre-pandemic levels.

Following the World Health Organization’s announcement last May declaring the COVID-19 pandemic over, pilgrims are now free to experience Hajj without complicated travel and quarantine requirements and grueling testing and social distancing restrictions.




Pilgrims are now free to experience Hajj without complicated travel and quarantine requirements and grueling testing and social distancing restrictions. (Huda Bashatah/AN)

That said, Muslims who traveled this year were still required to have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and one booster, as well as vaccinations against seasonal viruses such as influenza and meningitis.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has been declared over by some governments, the virus is still circulating and there is a risk of it spreading during the Hajj season as it involves a large gathering of people from all over the world,” Dr. Mamdouh Masoud, a general practitioner at Almana Group of Hospitals in Saudi Arabia, told Arab News.

Masoud said pilgrims remain at risk of developing health problems, not least from contagious infections.

“The most common health problems we see during this period include respiratory infections, heat-related illnesses, dehydration, cardiovascular disease, and trauma,” he said.

Whether walking around the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, performing the circumambulation seven times between the Safa or Marwa, or traveling between Mina and Arafat or Makkah and Madinah, Hajj requires a person to be physically strong and somewhat fit.

Masoud said pilgrims must be aware of their own medical history and should take precautions, such as staying hydrated, taking medications on time, using face masks, avoiding crowded places, and refraining from strenuous activity, particularly in hot weather, in order to reduce the risk of illness.




It is important for pilgrims to protect themselves from extreme heat by drinking lots of fluids, taking breaks, and staying in the shade as much as possible. (Abdulrahman Alshalhoub/AN)

According to Dr. Sarla Kumari, an internal medicine physician at the Canadian Specialist Hospital, the spread of respiratory tract infections is common during Hajj due to mass gatherings.

This is followed by gastro-intestinal infections, more specifically diarrhea, as a result of poor hand hygiene, as well as meningitis infections.

“The main pathogen resulting in diarrhea is E. coli, and Saudi Arabia specifically has a high rate of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli,” said Kumari.

Another is salmonella, which is often the cause of severe diarrhea among pilgrims and requires medical attention and proper rehydration.

“In the last few years the government has set up special clinics and those suffering from these symptoms should attend those clinics which are equipped to handle these kinds of issues effectively,” said Kumari.

Given that Hajj has fallen during the summer months in recent years and will continue to do so for several more, Masoud said it is important for pilgrims to protect themselves from extreme heat by drinking lots of fluids, taking breaks, and staying in the shade as much as possible.

“The hot weather in Saudi Arabia during Hajj seasons can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration … and these illnesses can be serious,” he said.




Pilgrims are advised to regularly apply sunscreen and carry an umbrella to help protect themselves from ultraviolet rays. (Huda Bashatah/AN)

Dr. Farhana bin Lootah, an internal medicine consultant at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre in Abu Dhabi, advised pilgrims to regularly apply sunscreen and carry an umbrella to help protect themselves from ultraviolet rays.

“Consuming plenty of fluids is also very important to avoid dehydration, which can potentially escalate into heat exhaustion, a serious health emergency,” she said.

For those with chronic illnesses, however, adhering to general safety measures can go a long way toward keeping them healthy.

Pilgrims with long-term health conditions must remember to carry their prescription medications at all times, along with face masks, a first aid kit, and an umbrella for hotter days, said bin Lootah.

Items like cooling creams, disposable towels and comfortable footwear can also help make the trip more comfortable.




Pilgrims are advised to regularly apply sunscreen and carry an umbrella to help protect themselves from ultraviolet rays. (Abdulrahman Fahad Bin Shulhub/AN)

“Preparations for Hajj have been underway for a long time, and pilgrims are treated with the utmost caution to their safety,” bin Lootah said.

However, for patients with heart disease, it might be advisable to wear masks when in crowds to avoid any kind of respiratory diseases commonly found in densely populated areas.

For those with diabetes, bin Lootah added, it is essential to bring along a glucose meter to check blood sugar levels throughout the trip.

“Again, my general advice to pilgrims would be to maintain good hygiene and to wash your hands before handling any food or water, and using sanitizer when permitted,” she said.


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.