Haj 2023: Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia brave intense heat; health advisory issued as temperatures soar

Over two million Muslim pilgrims are braving the intense summer heat to perform the Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Ministry of Health has issued a health advisory to pilgrims as the temperature soars and millions perform pilgrimage in the sweltering heat.

With morning temperatures rising past 42 degrees Celsius, the ministry urged worshippers to follow all precautionary measures. To avoid the risk of heat exhaustion and sunstroke, pilgrims should use sunshades throughout the day and drink sufficient water and fluids to keep themselves hydrated. Pilgrims have been asked not to exhaust themselves with unnecessarily excessive activity and not to stand for long periods in long queues.

The health ministry reported that the heat stress centres in all hospitals in Makkah and Al Mukarramah and the holy sites are experiencing a notable rise in the cases of heat exhaustion and sunstroke injuries.

Recently, there have been 1,098 reported cases of incidents resulting from people not complying with the instructions issued by the MOH. These incidents are related to individuals failing to follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by the MOH regarding public health and safety measures. This season is witnessing a significant rise in temperatures.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), pilgrims, especially older individuals, must avoid direct sun exposure and drink sufficient water. It also advises that pilgrims on medications that can exacerbate dehydration, such as diuretics, should see their attending doctors before travelling for Haj.

Pilgrims walk outdoors for hours in the heat around holy sites in Makkah and the surrounding desert. Physically, it can be difficult. Here are few essential guides on what to wear or carry.

What to wear

Dress for the heat, since daytime temperatures regularly soar past 40°C. The majority of rituals take place outdoors. Sun hats are key. Pilgrims often opt for wide-brimmed straw hats, or even cowboy hats. Umbrellas of every colour are everywhere. Some balance their prayer mats on their heads or the canopies from umbrellas.

All men are required to wear simple white robes without any stitching, a rule aimed at uniting rich and poor. Women must forego beauty products and cover their hair, but have more latitude to wear fabrics from their native countries.

When it comes to footwear, it’s best to wear something that’s durable for the long walks, but that also slips on and off easily, as pilgrims must remove their shoes before entering Makkah's Grand Mosque.

Sandals are sensible, but some pilgrims say it’s best also to wear socks as the mosque’s marble floor can be surprisingly cold as they walk around the Kaaba seven times.

What to carry

A day pack of some kind is essential for carrying food, water, sunscreen and other sundries. But backpacks can be a hassle when you’re crammed shoulder-to-shoulder.

Far more popular are cross-body bags that you can access without turning around.

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