Saudi authorities are gearing up to ensure pilgrims’ comfort and health during summer by having in place several precautionary measures.

The Haj Ministry carried out a review of strategies and conducted a workshop in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Officials from over 25 ministries and agencies participated in the event.

As temperatures are set to touch highs of 39-47 Celsius in the coming months, authorities discussed various measures and called for suggestions and solutions that would help pilgrims during summer.

Undersecretary of Haj Ministry Hatim Qadi said the review meeting and workshop to discuss plans to serve pilgrims in summer followed directives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

“The Kingdom accords highest priority to serving pilgrims,” he said.

The Haj Ministry was constantly monitoring weather conditions across the globe from where pilgrims would be arriving in Saudi Arabia, he said.

Health expert Dr. Mohammed Mustaf Mahmoud presented 34 subjects covering various aspects of performing the rituals in high temperatures.

Health experts also discussed the need for awareness programs to minimize the impact of sunstroke, detection of symptoms, health problems in summer, among other issues.

Ali Al-Ghamid, spokesman from the Haj Ministry, said “We also discussed the safety measures for pilgrims using electrical appliance.”

The ministry’s stress was on improving the existing transport service and housing for pilgrims and their health, he said.

Makkah Municipality, Civil Defense, Saudi Red Crescent Society, National Water Company, Ministry of Health and Saudi Electricity Company participated in the discussion.

The Haj Ministry is preparing its action plan for Haj 2014 much ahead of schedule to execute plans properly and avoid delays.