Hajj essentials for female pilgrims

Skechers has developed a line of shoes that are specifically tailored to the requirements of pilgrims undertaking Hajj pilgrimage, to ensure maximum comfort. (Supplied)
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Updated 09 June 2024
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Hajj essentials for female pilgrims

  • Compiled with the help of an experienced Hajj guide, this list will cover your needs

RIYADH: Packing a travel bag for Hajj pilgrimage is unlike packing for any other trip, particularly since opportunities for obtaining supplies during Hajj are scarce.

Arab News has compiled a list of essentials for women who will be embarking on the spiritual yet physically taxing journey in the coming days.

A prayer guide and mat are essentials, and this list was compiled by expert mutawwif — a guide appointed by the Ministry of Hajj who is responsible for overseeing the needs and well-being of pilgrims — Bakur Hemdi, who shared his tips for female pilgrims with Arab News.

Hemdi, who has over 11 years of experience of working during Hajj, said: “I’ve noticed that women (workers) have participated in Hajj more in recent years. If you need assistance, you can always find a female worker to assist you during the Hajj.”

Clothing

Since Hajj this year is taking place in the summer, clothing must be light and made of cotton or linen fabric. The attire needs to be broad, modest, cover every part of the body, and include a sealed head scarf.

Hemdi said: “Please avoid wearing polyester, as it will retain heat inside and cause you to perspire more. Instead, wear breathable materials like cotton and linen.”

Hawraa Abaya, a clothing company for women, has designed an abaya that includes a pair of pants, top, coat, and headscarf. You will need more than one of these for your pilgrimage because you will be changing garments every day of the Hajj.   

https://hawraaabaya.com/products/40502?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpNuyBh...

Pack a laundry bag to store your used clothing. 

Bodycare essentials 

Anti-chafing sticks are essential because Hajj involves a lot of walking.

https://www.amazon.sa/Waterproof-Prevention-Anti-Chafe-Protection-Fricti...

Skinfold dry sheets can help manage sweat-related problems. The sheets are made to absorb moisture to help avoid compromising skin integrity due to excessive sweating. They can also be used under breasts and for the belly and armpit areas and should be changed once a day, or whenever the sheet gets wet.

 https://www.amazon.sa/-/en/Medline-Skinfold-Moisture-Management-Non-Chaf...  

Any skincare products like shampoo, soap, moisturizer and deodorant should be fragrance-free and travel size. Beesline’s Hajj Kit includes fragrance-free shampoo, soap, ointment, and rosary.

https://www.nahdionline.com/en/beesline-hajj-kit 

Unscented talc and Vaseline can be handy in case of irritation.  

Carry sun protection for your hands and face.

Unscented sanitary pads can be useful, especially for emergencies.

A water spray might help bring relief from the scorching heat of June.

A pair of scissors will be handy for the hair cutting ritual after performing Umrah.

Items to avoid

Avoid carrying makeup as it is not recommended.

Avoid wearing tight and uncomfortable clothing.  

Avoid accessories such as multiple sunglasses, jewelry, perfumes, or electrical appliances. 

Medications  

“It is preferable to purchase locally produced pharmaceuticals because they are approved by the Saudi FDA (Food and Drug Authority),” Hemdi said.

Electrolytes can help you stay hydrated and increase your energy levels. You can also purchase paracetamol or other pain relievers but ensure that they are allowed in Saudi Arabia.

As Makkah is a city in the mountains, the roads might be a little unsettling. Carry motion sickness tablets for public transport rides if you tend to get dizzy and nauseous.

https://www.amazon.sa/-/en/369-Life-Sickness-Airplane-Transport/dp/B0BMQ...

Electronics

“You can bring a digital tasbeeh ring or use the apps available on phones,” Hemdi said.

Purchasing a portable fan that can be charged is essential. Certain models allow you to hang the fan over your neck, freeing up your hands.  

https://www.amazon.sa/SHAPE-MART-Neck-Fan-Rechargeable/dp/B0C96PRF2H/ref...

You will need to use an eye mask and earplugs if you plan to sleep during the day.   

A portable power bank that can be used for both your phone and electronic fan is handy. It is common for pilgrims to spend a lot of time outside the tents, and you may also spend a lot of time inside the bus, so being prepared for any low-power scenario is crucial.

Carry an umbrella or a hat to protect yourself from direct sunlight. 

https://www.amazon.sa/-/en/Bocampty-Protection-Ventilative-Adjustable-Ga...

Comfortable shoes  

“The floors are quite heated, so wear cotton socks and breathable, comfortable shoes instead of slippers and rubber shoes. You must be ready, even though this year’s roadways have been treated with cooling insulation,” Hemdi said.

Hajj requires walking great distances and stopping frequently to pray and refuel, so comfortable shoes are essential.   

Skechers has developed a line of shoes that are specifically tailored to the requirements of pilgrims undertaking Hajj pilgrimage, to ensure maximum comfort.  

https://apparelglobal.com/en/skechers/ 

Packing slippers, in addition to comfortable shoes, is essential for bathing and ablution.

Hemdi said: “Many pilgrims get blisters on their feet from walking a lot or wearing uncomfortable shoes, so it is best to have plasters with you.”

Disposable items 

When entering the Grand Mosque in Makkah, you will have to take off your shoes, so make sure you have a disposable plastic bag to keep your shoes with you.  

To maintain hygiene, toilet chair covers are important.   

https://www.noon.com/saudi-en/toletta-disposable-toilet-seat-covers-prot...

Compressed towels can be handy. 

https://www.amazon.sa/-/en/Compressed-Portable-Disposable-Activities-SA-...

You can use disposable short socks that are breathable for walking and prayer, especially if they are made of cotton.   

https://www.amazon.sa/-/en/Goodern-Disposable-Portable-Accessories-Trave...

Hemdi said: “Please drink water whenever you see it offered to pilgrims. The heat may quickly cause dehydration in anyone. Please stay hydrated at all costs and at all times.”


Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: Why expats love to celebrate in the ‘homeland of Islam’

Updated 18 March 2025
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Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: Why expats love to celebrate in the ‘homeland of Islam’

  • Muslim expatriates blend Saudi customs with home traditions
  • Spiritual practices and social gatherings enjoyed by people of all nationalities

RIYADH: Many Muslim expatriates in Saudi Arabia, despite being away from their families and home countries during Ramadan, cherish the time spent in the “homeland of Islam” during the holy month.

“The expats spending the holy month in the homeland of Islam are fortunate, both in terms of spiritual satisfaction and piousness as well as personal experiences, and for those who are new to the Kingdom, there is a lot to look forward to for a whole new experience,” said Nafisa Usmani, an Indian homemaker who has lived in Riyadh for more than two decades.

“You can sense the Ramadan vibes here everywhere you go. The streets at night during Ramadan are packed and everything that is dull during the day comes to life in the night,” she added.

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia has become a model of brotherhood that transcends borders and nationalities, with increased gatherings among families and friends in homes. (SPA/Supplied)

“I can say from my decades of experience here that there is no other place better than Saudi Arabia to spend time in Ramadan and celebrate its spirit including the opportunity to go to the mosque and do group Taraweeh prayers,” Usmani said.

“Ramadan is a time of great significance for Muslims and it is observed with great importance in Saudi Arabia. You also have the opportunity to go to the two holy cities — Makkah and Madinah — and perform Umrah and Ziyarah during the holy month while staying here,” she added.

Echoing the sentiments, Lebanese expat Farah Fouad said that she is very excited to celebrate yet another Ramadan in Saudi Arabia due to the special significance of the holy month in the Kingdom.

I can say from my decades of experience here that there is no other place better than Saudi Arabia to spend time in Ramadan and celebrate its spirit.

Nafisa Usmani, Indian homemaker

“Being in the heartland of Islam you can sense the Ramadan spirit here everywhere you go,” she added.

Iffat Aabroo, another Indian homemaker in Riyadh, said: “It’s very nice to spend Ramadan here. Markets are open until suhoor, there is the crowd bustling in the streets keeping the night alive and those that are shopping to prepare themselves for the Eid Al-Fitr festival.

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia has become a model of brotherhood that transcends borders and nationalities, with increased gatherings among families and friends in homes. (SPA/Supplied)

“Hotels make elaborate Ramadan tent arrangements, both delicacies as well as decorations.”

She added that Ramadan is not just a religious observance, but also a cultural phenomenon, reflected by acts of spirituality and social bonding.

Sharing her experience, Ambreen Faiz, a Pakistani writer living in Yanbu, told Arab News: “I have been living in Saudi Arabia for the past 27 years.

An Indian community iftar party in Riyadh. (Supplied)

“When I first arrived in Riyadh in 1998, I was sort of mesmerized witnessing the festivities of the holy month of Ramadan in the Kingdom. Every Muslim anxiously waits for the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.”

She added: “Many women that I know of from Pakistan become as excited as I do when the holy month arrives. We do not want to go for vacation during Ramadan and in fact want to stay in the Kingdom to welcome Ramadan and enjoy the festivities that it brings along.

“We women friends chalk out our programs of iftar parties. And we prepare Pakistani delicacies of Ramadan — chole, pakore, samose, dahi barey, fruit chaat and whatnot. Such delicacies are liked and enjoyed by all ages,” she said.

Delicacies from Iftar table of a Sri Lankan expat in Riyadh. (Supplied)

“Ramadan is very much enjoyed by the kids especially when we go to Haramain to perform Umrah,” Faiz said, adding: “I am thankful to Allah that he has blessed us with the opportunity to live in Saudi Arabia and enjoy the festivities of Ramadan.

“Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is way better than it is in the sub-continent or any other country,” said Mohammed Naeem, a Pakistani expatriate.

“I always prefer spending Ramadan here because everything is so smooth and there is so much dedication to the almighty Allah during Ramadan. People actually know the true value of the holy month and they act accordingly here.”

Delicacies from the Iftar table of a Pakistani expat. (Supplied)

Ramadan for many expatriates is often marked by a mix of traditions from home and the Kingdom.

Ifthikar Ansari, a Sri Lankan working in the Eastern Province, told Arab News: “We love staying here during Ramadan and enjoy a mix of Sri Lankan and Saudi delicacies.

“In Sri Lanka, where a significant percentage of the population observes fasting during the sacred month of Ramadan, their iftar meals are characterized by a special blend of flavors and traditions.

“A customary dish on their iftar table is a porridge made with rice and coconut, often complemented by the addition of beef or chicken, along with a spicy chili chutney.

“Bringing it to our iftar table here with dates, an essential component of an iftar meal, and some Saudi delicacies are a routine thing, and the iftar spread is further enriched with other delicacies such as cutlets, and patties,” he added.

“To quench the thirst, tropical fruit juices featuring wood apple, pineapple and king coconut are favored choices, ensuring a healthy and refreshing conclusion to the day of fasting,” Ansari said.

 


Grand Mosque in Makkah furnished with 33,000 Saudi-made luxury carpets for Ramadan

Updated 18 March 2025
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Grand Mosque in Makkah furnished with 33,000 Saudi-made luxury carpets for Ramadan

  • High-quality carpets are known for their durability and designed to handle heavy foot traffic 
  • Carpets are used on Fridays and during the month of Ramadan

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have furnished the Grand Mosque in Makkah with thousands of luxury carpets during the holy month of Ramadan.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said that the 33,000 luxury carpets were made in Saudi Arabia, and known for their high quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and durability.

The carpets, each measuring 1.2 meters by 4 meters or 1.2 meters by 3 meters, are used on Fridays, during the month of Ramadan, and in other peak seasons, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Carpets are 1.6 cm thick and able to cope with heavy foot traffic, the SPA added.

One of the authority’s missions is to provide services and attend to the needs of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.

The authority announced this week that it provided almost 11 million iftar meals to Umrah pilgrims and other worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah during the first half of Ramadan, a time of worship for Muslims who fast from sunrise to sunset.


Saudi regional emirs' annual meeting reviews security and sustainable development

Updated 10 min 53 sec ago
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Saudi regional emirs' annual meeting reviews security and sustainable development

  • A number of topics were reviewed including enhancing security and stability, achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, and serving the nation

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif chaired the 32nd annual meeting of the emirs of the Kingdom’s regions at the ministry’s headquarters in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Prince Abdulaziz conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and emphasized the directives to maintain security and facilitate all matters for citizens, residents, and visitors around the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, a number of topics were reviewed including enhancing security and stability, achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, and serving the nation.

 


Riyadh Municipality to host cultural tent event

Riyadh Municipality will host a cultural tent event with family-friendly activities on Tuesday and Wednesday in Tahlia Oasis.
Updated 18 March 2025
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Riyadh Municipality to host cultural tent event

  • Cultural tent celebrates the diversity of the cultural and artistic scene in the Kingdom, allowing visitors to interact with literature, arts and heritage

RIYADH: Riyadh Municipality will host a cultural tent event with family-friendly activities on Tuesday and Wednesday in Tahlia Oasis, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event will include activities for families, including a children’s face-painting corner, and attendees will be able to join PlayStation League competitions that offer challenges suitable for different age groups.

Live cooking shows will allow visitors to learn about the diversity of Saudi cuisine, and local entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to display their products in local stores.

Additionally, the cultural tent will exhibit books, pictures and manuscripts about Riyadh’s heritage.

The cultural tent celebrates the diversity of the cultural and artistic scene in the Kingdom, allowing visitors to interact with literature, arts and heritage.

The event is part of efforts by Riyadh Municipality to improve quality of life for residents in the Saudi capital, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Everyone is welcome to attend the events, which run from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on Gaza

Palestinians react at the site of an Israeli strike on a residential building in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip March 18, 25
Updated 18 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on Gaza

  • Kingdom stressed the importance of an immediate halt to Israeli killing, violence, and destruction, and the protection of Palestinian civilians

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday condemned and denounced renewed violence in Gaza after Israel unleashed its most intense strikes overnight since a ceasefire was established two months ago.

The health ministry in Gaza said more than 400 people were killed after the strikes that took place during the fasting month of Ramadan.

The Kingdom stressed the importance of an immediate halt to Israeli killing, violence, and destruction, and the protection of Palestinian civilians.

Saudi Arabia also said it was important that the international community fulfilled its responsibilities by intervening immediately to put an end to Israeli crimes and stop the severe humanitarian suffering endured by the Palestinian people.

Gaza’s health ministry said the bodies of 413 people had been received by the territory’s hospitals, adding “a number of victims are still under the rubble.”