As soon as prayers of Eid Al-Adha were over yesterday, people rushed toward the animal sacrifice ritual, the prime obligation of this Eid. Roads leading from the city into East Jeddah’s old cattle market are jammed with mammoth vehicular traffic.
It is ironic that prices of sheep remained stable and lower compared with previous Eid Al-Adha holidays, though there was marginal hike. There was a minor increase during peak demand season, but overall prices remain fairly stable amid of hike in most of commodities.
King Abdullah had ordered a subsidy of 50 percent for fodder that prevented the price hike and also helped livestock traders and farmers.
Many Sudanese traders, who dominate the cattle market, felt nervous on Eid at market as price dropped compared with last year. The price of sheep is much lower in Kingdom compared with other gulf countries. Size of weight also determine the price of animal.
The old cattle market in East Jeddah at end of Palestine Street was busy and hectic throughout morning yesterday with buyers and sellers. Residents were visiting different parked trucks that hold livestock to select their choice of animal and picked up, tightened with ropes and parked in rear of vehicles before being transported home.
Butchers were also standing along on the way to offer their services for price of SR 100. In other parts of city several buyers were spotted by offering sale of the sheep and goat on parked vehicles.
Local citizens and expatriates were performing their faithful rite of animal sacrifice upon eve of Eid Al-Adha according to their choice, tradition and financial position. The choice of animal sacrifice varies from citizens to expatriates. The price of local breed sheep that Saudi nationals prefer is high compared with expatriates who prefer imported sheep which is cheaper. However, this year, imported African sheep price is slightly high compare with local breed sheep.
White skinned Harri breed sheep is the most popular among Saudis in Jeddah and larger parts of Western region. They fetched prices ranging from SR 1,700 to SR 1,800 prior to Eid and was sold on Eid day at price of SR 1,300 to SR 1,400.
The Najdi breed, which is generally grown in Riyadh and central province, for which it derived the name Najd, is considered a superior breed in Kingdom and is expected to cost SR 2,200. However, it largely remained between SR 1,800 to SR 2,000. Nuaimi, sold in fewer numbers in Jeddah, was also fetching almost same range of price. These breeds have meat with delicious taste and has considerable weight in addition to a full complement of fat.
Gray skinned Sawakin, named after Red Sea port in Sudan, is another popular breed in Saudi Arabia that comes after all local breeds. Containing less weight and fat, it is mostly preferred breed by expatriate communities in Jeddah due to taste and price factors. Swakin was traded earlier in range of SR 1,200, but when local breeds prices fell drastically, the price of Swakin also dropped to range of SR 900 to SR 1,000 on Eid day.
Somalia breed also traded around SR700 to SR 800 and remained on the same range on Eid day. The Somalian breed was generally preferred choice of Indian and Pakistani communities due to its low fat and price factors. The meat of the African breed can be stored or frozen for longer period of time and the same is not applicable to Saudi local breed. Barbari of Australia and various other local breed of sheep are also widely available, but they didn't draw the attention of customers on Eid day.
Residents, who have detached houses or villas, can conduct slaughter in their houses, whereas those living in apartments are faced with the hassle of using the toilet as a slaughter site. If not disposed properly, the unusable parts such as rare flank and belly of the sheep could cause problems for the plumbing system of house.
Another major problem is chopping larger meat portions. Distribution also is an issue. Several butchers from the Indian subcontinent sometimes step in and take orders of sacrifice ahead of Eid and perform the job of traditional chopping of small pieces. They then hand over the bags of mutton to customers. Indian and Pakistan butchers charge something like SR 650 to SR 750 for the package that includes purchase of goat, slaughtering and butchering.
In Azzizyiah District, which is home to a large Indian and Pakistani community, butcher shops were busy late Thursday accepting orders for animal sacrifice for Friday.
To escape the hassles of slaughtering the animal, many expatriates prefer to remit money to their home countries and do the complete ritual over there and distribute the meat later among relatives and the poor.
Sheep prices remain stable and affordable on Eid Al-Adha
Sheep prices remain stable and affordable on Eid Al-Adha
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.
Muslim pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat in Hajj apex
- Some pilgrims arrive early to take advantage of the relatively cool morning
- Authorities have mobilized more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials
MOUNT ARAFAT: As the sun reached its zenith over Mount Arafat, pilgrims from all corners of the world were joined and immersed in prayer and reflection on the most sacred day of Hajj. The weather was sweltering, with temperatures soaring to 41 Celsius, yet the spirit of the day was palpable.
Authorities had prepared for the heat, installing weather sprays along the roads leading to Arafat and expanding shaded areas by 50,000 sq m to shield pilgrims from the sun. Despite the challenges, the atmosphere was one of unity and reverence.
PHOTO GALLERY: Pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat for Hajj 2025
Rehman, a pilgrim from Indonesia, stood in awe as he reflected on his experience: “I am Rehman from Indonesia, this year I am very happy.” His joy was infectious, a reminder of the blessings that came with this journey. “No Hajj without permission — this is very good for everyone this year.”
Standing nearby was Marwa Al-Said from Egypt, her eyes glistening with emotion. “The feeling that you’re standing in the very place where the Prophet, peace be upon him, once stood, and the feeling that you’re entering a place where God is telling you, ‘your sins are forgiven,’ it’s truly overwhelming. We genuinely believe in Allah, and we are confident that, God willing, we will return with our sins forgiven. It’s a majestic scene. These crowds give you goosebumps.”
She expressed her gratitude for the safety and organization this year: “I sincerely thank everyone involved in maintaining security. We feel completely safe. Honestly, it’s just safety, safety, safety. I swear by God, it really is.”
Nazim Khalifa, an Indian pilgrim based in the US, shared his heartfelt anticipation: “This is a very important day for me. I was looking forward to this day as our Prophet, peace be upon him, says, ‘Hajj is Arafat.’ I never did Umrah before. Never did Hajj. I always wanted to be here. You know, there are a lot of struggles in my life, and I want to ask for forgiveness, everything that I can to enter Heaven and have an easy life here and in the Hereafter.”
He continued: “Definitely, financially there were a lot of struggles. The Nusuk process was overwhelming. But thank God, I said, ‘Here I am, O Allah, Allah accepted, and here we are today.’
“I definitely want to be closer to Allah, glorified and exalted is He, and that’s one of the reasons why I’m here today. I hope it changes my life forever. This is a test for us today. For all the pilgrims that are here. We’re going to be standing here, the sun’s going to be over our heads; it’s going to be a test for what the Day of Judgment will be like. I hope this changes everyone’s view and everyone changes. And I pray for everyone that everyone’s Hajj is accepted.”
In light of past challenges, Saudi authorities took significant measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Increased shaded zones and more than 400 cooling units were deployed to help keep pilgrims cool. Thousands of additional medics stood ready for any heat-related illnesses.
New pathways to Arafat featured cooled walkways, while misting stations provided welcome relief. AI and drones assisted in managing the large crowds effectively, and health trackers monitored pilgrims’ well-being.
The Ministry of Health had issued warnings against direct sun exposure, urging pilgrims to use umbrellas while traveling between the holy sites. These efforts were in place to protect the health and safety of those seeking to perform their rituals in peace. The health system intensified its focus on enhancing healthcare services, deploying specialized medical teams for immediate care and amplifying awareness messages to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj season.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs also played a vital role, deploying teams and resources to enhance awareness among pilgrims. Awareness booths and digital screens offered guidance and answered inquiries in various languages. More than 200,000 brochures covering Hajj rulings were distributed, and more than 15 million text messages were sent to provide real-time guidance throughout the Hajj season.
These collective efforts aimed to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims during this momentous occasion, a testament to their devotion and faith.
(With agencies)
