Hajj pilgrims innovate for comfort amid Saudi Arabia’s efforts to beat the heat

A sprinkler system comprising more than 8,000  water posts has been installed at the holy sites to mitigate the high temperatures. (SPA)
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A sprinkler system comprising more than 8,000 water posts has been installed at the holy sites to mitigate the high temperatures. (SPA)
Hajj pilgrims innovate for comfort amid Saudi Arabia’s efforts to beat the heat
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Pilgrims use rechargeable and battery-powered neck and handheld fans. (Supplied)
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Updated 16 June 2024
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Hajj pilgrims innovate for comfort amid Saudi Arabia’s efforts to beat the heat

Hajj pilgrims innovate for comfort amid Saudi Arabia’s efforts to beat the heat
  • Portable fans, personal water sprinklers among useful aids in scorching conditions

ARAFAT: Pilgrims have remained inventive in their quest for comfort, despite Saudi Arabia’s diligent efforts to mitigate the sweltering heat at the holy sites.

Alongside the Kingdom’s measures — which include extensive cooling systems — pilgrims are using rechargeable and battery-powered neck and handheld fans in their determination to offset the challenging conditions brought by the summer.




A sprinkler system comprising more than 8,000  water posts has been installed at the holy sites to mitigate the high temperatures. (SPA)

The portable fans provide much-needed relief by offering personal cooling in crowded areas where air circulation may be limited. They allow pilgrims to maintain comfort and focus on their religious duties without being overly affected by the extreme temperatures, thereby enhancing their overall pilgrimage experience.

According to online retail websites, the hands-free fans range from $4 to $8, while neck fans are between $32 to $60. However, some portable waist clip fans may cost from $30 to more than $110.

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230k

Managed by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the sprinkler system at the holy sites disperses 230,000 cubic meters of water through a pipe network spanning over 190,000 meters.

In accordance with the Health Ministry’s warnings and instructions, many pilgrims are also being observed using small water sprinklers to cool themselves amid the high temperatures.




A sprinkler system comprising more than 8,000  water posts has been installed at the holy sites to mitigate the high temperatures. (SPA)

A report by the National Center for Meteorology noted that temperatures reached 46 C in Arafat on Saturday. In anticipation of such conditions, a massive water sprinkler system had been installed to reduce heat and refresh the air for pilgrims.

Saleh Al-Sufiyani, a Saudi pilgrim from Taif, said that he was aware of the weather conditions in Makkah and purchased a cooling gadget for SR150 (approximately $40).




Pilgrims are using rechargeable and battery-powered neck and handheld fans in their determination to offset the challenging conditions brought by the summer. (SPA)

He added: “The device provides direct airflow to my neck and face, which are sensitive areas for cooling the body. It helps me feel more comfortable as it reduces the sensation of heat.”

Maryam Jadallah, an Egyptian pilgrim, said that she had bought her portable battery-powered fan from Jeddah after learning about the high temperatures in Makkah.




Water is sprayed on Muslim pilgrims at the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabi, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (AP)

She added: “The fan operates quietly, allowing me to hear everything around me without disturbing my supplications.”

She stressed that cooling the body during hot weather can help prevent heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heatstroke.




Volunteers spray water on Muslim pilgrims during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (AN photo by Huda Bashattah)

She said that despite having her fan with her, she often kept it off as fans and water sprinklers were installed everywhere to help the pilgrims stay cool.  

According to Kidana Development Company, a substantial sprinkler system comprising more than 8,000 water posts has been installed at the holy sites to mitigate the high temperatures.




Despite Saudi Arabia's diligent efforts to mitigate the sweltering heat in the holy sites, pilgrims remained inventive in their quest for comfort. (AN photo by Huda Bashattah)

Managed by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the system disperses 230,000 cubic meters of water through a pipe network spanning over 190,000 meters. It will operate for 15 hours daily across a span of 13 days.

A recent study published by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre revealed that heat-related deaths and strokes during Hajj have fallen by 47.6 and 74.6 percent respectively over a 40-year period because of the interventions by the Kingdom’s government.

 


Deputy foreign minister meets Russian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 5 sec ago
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Deputy foreign minister meets Russian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji met with Ambassador of Russia to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation, as well as other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of New Zealand to the Kingdom Charles Kingston on Sunday in Riyadh, where they engaged in cordial talks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

 

 


Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference

Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference
Updated 41 min 42 sec ago
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Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference

Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference
  • Al-Jubeir said land safety is essential for achieving security and stability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification in partnership with the UN

MUNICH: The Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir took part in a key dialogue session on land reclamation and security at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday.

The session, organized in collaboration with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the Adelphi Research Foundation, addressed the link between land preservation and global stability.

Al-Jubeir said land safety is essential for achieving security and stability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification in partnership with the UN.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s leadership at COP16, which focused on the negative repercussions of land degradation and the need for sustainable solutions.

Al-Jubeir outlined Saudi Arabia’s local, regional, and international initiatives aimed at protecting land and addressing desertification.

He also called for strong international cooperation to tackle the cross-border challenges posed by land degradation and urged global policymakers to implement effective strategies to safeguard both the environment and security.


Saudi crown prince receives phone call from French President Macron

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 16 February 2025
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Saudi crown prince receives phone call from French President Macron

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • During the call, areas of joint cooperation and regional and international developments were discussed

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, areas of joint cooperation and ways to enhance them were reviewed, and regional and international developments were discussed. 

The two officials also exchanged views on the latest developments and efforts made toward them to achieve security and stability. 

 


Tunisian president discusses security cooperation with Saudi interior minister

Tunisian president discusses security cooperation with Saudi interior minister
Updated 16 February 2025
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Tunisian president discusses security cooperation with Saudi interior minister

Tunisian president discusses security cooperation with Saudi interior minister
  • Discussions focused on strengthening security ties between Tunisia and the Kingdom

TUNIS: Tunisian President Kais Saied met with Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz at the Carthage Presidential Palace on Sunday to discuss bilateral relations and security cooperation between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, Prince Abdulaziz conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Saied, along with their wishes for Tunisia’s continued progress and prosperity.

The discussions focused on strengthening security ties between Tunisia and the Kingdom, with high-level officials from both countries in attendance, including the Saudi ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr. Representing Tunisia was Interior Minister Khaled Al-Nouri alongside senior officials.

The visit coincided with the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, where Prince Abdulaziz, in his capacity as honorary president of the council, joined other Arab interior ministers in discussing regional security strategies.

President Saied commended the council’s efforts in fostering security integration across Arab nations and expressed his hopes that the ministerial meeting would yield results aligning with the aspirations of Arab leaders and their citizens, SPA reported.


700 tons of Saudi dates to be distributed to over 100 countries during Ramadan

700 tons of Saudi dates will be distributed in 102 countries during Ramadan. (Visit Saudi)
700 tons of Saudi dates will be distributed in 102 countries during Ramadan. (Visit Saudi)
Updated 16 February 2025
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700 tons of Saudi dates to be distributed to over 100 countries during Ramadan

700 tons of Saudi dates will be distributed in 102 countries during Ramadan. (Visit Saudi)
  • The dates will be distributed through the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance’s attaches at the Kingdom’s embassies
  • Last year, 500 tons of dates were distributed during Ramadan as part of the program

RIYADH: 700 tons of Saudi dates will be distributed in 102 countries during Ramadan as part of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques’ Gift Program for Providing Dates, it was reported on Sunday.

The dates will be distributed through the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance’s attaches at the Kingdom’s embassies, and marks an increase of 200 tons from last year.

The Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh thanked the Saudi leadership for their generous care for Muslims in various countries of the world, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The minister highlighted the continuous support that the ministry receives from the leadership to carry out its duty and achieve its mission to serve Islam and Muslims, spread the values ​​and principles of Islam, and confront hatred, extremism, and fanaticism.

The ministry has completed all preparations to ship the dates to beneficiary countries so that they can be distributed during Ramadan 2025.