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.
