As per reports, the Saudi Ministry of Health urges pilgrims to avoid walking between the holy sites during peak daytime hours and advises them to remain inside camps between 10 am and 4 pm to reduce the risk of sunstroke. Here are some heat safety tips and health guidelines for pilgrims:
Hajj 2026 Heat Safety Tips
1. Hydrate Constantly: During high temperatures, it is important to keep yourself hydrated. Pilgrims are advised to drink small sips of water regularly throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks containing caffeine or excess sugar, as they can accelerate dehydration.
2. Avoid Peak Sun: The sun’s intensity is highest between 10 am and 4 pm. That is why pilgrims are urged to schedule their rituals for the cooler hours of the early morning or late evening and are advised to remain inside their camps during the daytime.
3. Cover Up: Pilgrims must wear loose, lightweight, and breathable clothing to limit sun exposure. They are recommended to use an umbrella, wear a hat and sunglasses to protect their heads and eyes.
4. Protect Your Feet: The marble surfaces around the holy sites get extremely hot during the daytime. Make sure to always carry a bag for your footwear to avoid burning the soles of your feet when moving to or from paved areas.
Health and Hygiene Guidelines
- Pilgrims are advised to avoid sharing shaving tools during the ritual of hair removal after completing pilgrimage rites to avoid potential health risks and infections transmitted through personal items.
- If you have chronic illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension, it is advised to consult your doctor before travelling and carry an adequate supply of your required medications in your hand luggage.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Make sure to wear a face mask in highly congested and crowded indoor areas to prevent respiratory infections.
- Only eat fresh and properly cooked meals. Make sure to wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and avoid purchasing food from uncovered, street-side stalls.
- Avoid direct contact with camels in farms, markets, or barns, and avoid drinking unpasteurised milk or eating raw meat or animal products that have not been thoroughly cooked.
According to reports, to help ease temperatures around Arafat, authorities deployed water misting systems, cooling stations, and shaded areas around Jabal Al-Rahma or the Mount of Mercy. Field support teams were also deployed in the area to assist elderly pilgrims and individuals with health conditions.
(Edited by : priyanka deshpande)
