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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief distributed 594 food parcels to needy families in the Eastern Rida and Qusayr districts in Hadhramaut Governorate, Yemen, benefiting 4,158 individuals, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Saturday’s distribution was part of humanitarian and relief projects provided by Saudi Arabia through the agency in various sectors to support the Yemeni people.
JEDDAH: The Hajj season is a deeply spiritual journey, but it also brings unique physical challenges — especially under the intense summer heat of Makkah.
Long hours outdoors, large crowds and continuous movement between rituals all place heavy demands on the body, particularly the skin.
For pilgrims, staying mindful of skin care is essential for comfort and preventing common heat-related skin conditions that can disrupt the Hajj experience.
The Saudi Ministry of Health reminds pilgrims each year to take simple yet effective steps to protect their skin from heat and dryness during the Hajj journey.
According to the ministry, common skin problems during the Hajj include dermatitis, skin chafing, sunburn and fungal infections such as ringworm and tinea cruris.
One of the most frequently reported issues during the pilgrimage is skin chafing or intertrigo, especially in areas like the inner thighs, underarms and under the breasts.
This is more common among pilgrims with diabetes or obesity, and is typically caused by friction, heat and sweat buildup.
Sunburn is another common problem, especially for pilgrims not accustomed to intense sunlight. Prolonged exposure without protection can lead to painful redness, swelling or even blisters.
The hot and humid conditions during Hajj create an ideal environment for fungal infections like ringworm, which usually appear as dark, itchy circular patches — especially in areas like the groin or inner thighs.
Dermatologist Dr. Fatimah Sattof told Arab News: “Skincare is especially important during the Hajj season due to pilgrims’ prolonged and direct exposure to the sun, which can lead to excessive dryness, pigmentation and even skin cancer in extreme cases.
“Sun exposure is also a major factor in collagen breakdown, which contributes to thinning skin and early wrinkles. Moisturizing is essential — both by drinking plenty of water and by using protective creams,” she added.
In addition to medical recommendations, Sattof highlighted practical measures that pilgrims can take to safeguard their skin.
“Fragrance-free moisturizers are always preferred, as scented products can increase skin sensitivity,” she said.
“I recommend combining different methods of protection: Chemical sunscreens, physical barriers like umbrellas and masks, and wearing light-colored clothing to reflect the sun’s rays.
“If you feel any burning or sensitivity, try MEBO ointment and avoid sun exposure until symptoms ease.”
She also reminded pilgrims that hydration is key — not just for the body, but for the skin as well. “Drinking enough water is essential, and pilgrims should apply moisturizers during times when the sun isn’t intense. These should be free from perfumes and irritants to prevent allergic reactions,” she said.
“Luckily, all necessary skincare items — sunblock, moisturizers and protective clothing — are readily available in Saudi Arabia at the nearest pharmacy. There’s no need to overpack. A good sunscreen and a gentle moisturizer are more than enough.”
To prevent skin chafing:
Keep irritated areas clean and dry.
Ensure proper ventilation and wear breathable clothing.
Wash daily and dry well, especially after rituals.
Use protective ointments or powders before walking.
To treat sunburn:
Stay in shaded or indoor areas as much as possible.
Take cool showers to relieve discomfort.
Apply fragrance-free moisturizers, ideally with aloe vera or soy.
Use pain relievers if needed and increase your water intake to stay hydrated.
Avoid popping blisters; they serve as natural protection during healing.
To prevent fungal infections:
Practice strict personal hygiene.
Dry the body thoroughly after each shower.
Use clean, dry underwear and avoid sharing towels or garments.
Last year’s Hajj season witnessed unprecedented temperatures in Makkah, ranging between 46 and 51 degrees Celsius, leading to more than 2,760 cases of heatstroke in a single day.
Hussein Al-Qahtani, spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, said that forecasts indicate this year’s Hajj will also be marked by extremely high temperatures, potentially exceeding 49 degrees Celsius.
Sattof highlighted the importance of sun protection: The 2025 Hajj season will be the last to fall during summer for the next 16 years, due to the gradual shift in the Islamic lunar calendar.
From 2026 onward, Hajj will move into the cooler months, gradually transitioning from spring to winter — offering future pilgrims some relief from extreme heat conditions.
MOUNT ARAFAT: As the sun reached its zenith over Mount Arafat, pilgrims from all corners of the world were joined and immersed in prayer and reflection on the most sacred day of Hajj. The weather was sweltering, with temperatures soaring to 41 Celsius, yet the spirit of the day was palpable.
Authorities had prepared for the heat, installing weather sprays along the roads leading to Arafat and expanding shaded areas by 50,000 sq m to shield pilgrims from the sun. Despite the challenges, the atmosphere was one of unity and reverence.
PHOTO GALLERY: Pilgrims pray at Mount Arafat for Hajj 2025
Rehman, a pilgrim from Indonesia, stood in awe as he reflected on his experience: “I am Rehman from Indonesia, this year I am very happy.” His joy was infectious, a reminder of the blessings that came with this journey. “No Hajj without permission — this is very good for everyone this year.”
Standing nearby was Marwa Al-Said from Egypt, her eyes glistening with emotion. “The feeling that you’re standing in the very place where the Prophet, peace be upon him, once stood, and the feeling that you’re entering a place where God is telling you, ‘your sins are forgiven,’ it’s truly overwhelming. We genuinely believe in Allah, and we are confident that, God willing, we will return with our sins forgiven. It’s a majestic scene. These crowds give you goosebumps.”
She expressed her gratitude for the safety and organization this year: “I sincerely thank everyone involved in maintaining security. We feel completely safe. Honestly, it’s just safety, safety, safety. I swear by God, it really is.”
Nazim Khalifa, an Indian pilgrim based in the US, shared his heartfelt anticipation: “This is a very important day for me. I was looking forward to this day as our Prophet, peace be upon him, says, ‘Hajj is Arafat.’ I never did Umrah before. Never did Hajj. I always wanted to be here. You know, there are a lot of struggles in my life, and I want to ask for forgiveness, everything that I can to enter Heaven and have an easy life here and in the Hereafter.”
He continued: “Definitely, financially there were a lot of struggles. The Nusuk process was overwhelming. But thank God, I said, ‘Here I am, O Allah, Allah accepted, and here we are today.’
“I definitely want to be closer to Allah, glorified and exalted is He, and that’s one of the reasons why I’m here today. I hope it changes my life forever. This is a test for us today. For all the pilgrims that are here. We’re going to be standing here, the sun’s going to be over our heads; it’s going to be a test for what the Day of Judgment will be like. I hope this changes everyone’s view and everyone changes. And I pray for everyone that everyone’s Hajj is accepted.”
In light of past challenges, Saudi authorities took significant measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Increased shaded zones and more than 400 cooling units were deployed to help keep pilgrims cool. Thousands of additional medics stood ready for any heat-related illnesses.
New pathways to Arafat featured cooled walkways, while misting stations provided welcome relief. AI and drones assisted in managing the large crowds effectively, and health trackers monitored pilgrims’ well-being.
The Ministry of Health had issued warnings against direct sun exposure, urging pilgrims to use umbrellas while traveling between the holy sites. These efforts were in place to protect the health and safety of those seeking to perform their rituals in peace. The health system intensified its focus on enhancing healthcare services, deploying specialized medical teams for immediate care and amplifying awareness messages to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj season.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs also played a vital role, deploying teams and resources to enhance awareness among pilgrims. Awareness booths and digital screens offered guidance and answered inquiries in various languages. More than 200,000 brochures covering Hajj rulings were distributed, and more than 15 million text messages were sent to provide real-time guidance throughout the Hajj season.
These collective efforts aimed to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims during this momentous occasion, a testament to their devotion and faith.
(With agencies)
CAIRO: The Egyptian Hajj Road is recognized by historians and travelers as one of the most important pilgrimage and trade arteries connecting the Islamic world to the Arabian Peninsula.
Used by pilgrims since the dawn of Islam, this route transcends mere religious significance, embodying a rich cultural, civilizational, and archaeological legacy, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Its importance has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, which is a precursor to the World Heritage List.
Saudi Arabia made its submission in 2015, in which it outlined the route linking Egypt to Makkah and Madinah.
The document states that the route “benefited pilgrims coming from Egypt, Sudan, Central Africa, Morocco, Andalusia and Sicily, as they meet in Egypt, then travel through Sinai to Aqaba then march across two trails.”
The road starts from the town of Haqel on the Gulf of Aqaba and ends in Makkah.
Several Muslim rulers over the centuries established structures on the road including pools, canals, wells, barricades, bridges, castles, forts and mosques, the document stated.
And “on the road near the camps are numerous Islamic inscriptions and commemorative writings, engraved by pilgrims as they passed through the road.”
It also noted that rulers and wealthy patrons built caravanserais, supplied water and provided protection along these roads to Makkah and Madinah to ease the pilgrims’ journey.
“Individual Muslims, in the name of charity, helped others to make the journey,” it added.
Historians have divided the ancient Egyptian Hajj Road into four chronological periods.
The first period from about the year 1150 featured both overland and coastal routes to the Arabian Peninsula.
The second from 1042 to 1268 had the North Sinai passageway ended and pilgrims opting for sea travel from Egypt to Jeddah.
The third from 1269 to 1884 had pilgrims reverting to using the coastal overland route.
The fourth period, from 1884 to contemporary times, marked the discontinuation of the overland route, replaced first by sea travel from Suez, and subsequently by air travel to Jeddah.
The route’s importance for pilgrims from Africa and the Maghreb is particularly notable.
Caravans from Moroccan cities including Marrakech, Fez and Sale, sometimes including pilgrims from Senegal, would travel either by land along the Mediterranean or by sea.
These caravans would then converge with pilgrims from Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, passing through cities including Mahdia, Sfax, Sousse, Tripoli, Barqa and Tobruk.
They would then cross Egyptian land, often along the coast, to reach Alexandria and Rashid.
From there, pilgrims would take Nile boats to Cairo, joining the Egyptian Hajj caravan at modern-day Al-Baraka. The combined caravans would then continue by land to Suez.
From Suez, pilgrims either continued the land route through Sinai and along the Red Sea to Jeddah, or sailed across the Red Sea to Jeddah, then proceeded by land to Madinah and Makkah.
RIYADH: Saudi interior minister conducted a field tour on Wednesday to inspect the readiness of the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah (Holy Sites) Metro Line as pilgrims move to the holy site of Arafat.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, who also heads the Supreme Hajj Committee, was briefed on the mechanisms of dispatching and scheduling train trips, in full integration with the relevant security and regulatory authorities, ensuring smooth operations and the safety of pilgrims the Saudi Press Agency said.
The minister boarded a train ride to the Mina 3 (Jamarat) Station, where he inspected the station’s readiness and facilities to receive pilgrims.
The metro line is a high-capacity rail system in Makkah that operates for only seven days a year, during Hajj, as a shuttle service to take pilgrims to and from holy sites. It has a capacity of up to 72,000 passengers per hour.
Prince Abdulaziz also visited the Facilities Security Forces, who regulate pedestrian movement and crowd management in the areas surrounding the metro stations, and was briefed on the forces’ plans and role in supporting and assisting the Hajj Security Forces.
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of media and chairman of the Saudi Press Agency, Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari, on Wednesday launched the Saudi Photo Platform, a new digital initiative designed to offer free access to SPA’s vast archive of authenticated images.
Unveiled during the second edition of the Hajj Media Forum at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Exhibition and Events Center, the platform will allow users worldwide to browse, use, and share images under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License.
The forum was attended by local and international media representatives.
Acting SPA President Ali bin Abdullah Al-Zaid said the platform reflected its strategy to make its visual archive more widely available to content creators around the globe, while preserving intellectual property rights and promoting creativity in a regulated digital environment.
He added that launching the platform from Makkah held symbolic significance, reinforcing the city’s historic role in conveying Saudi Arabia’s message to the world, and said it marked an important step toward enhancing the Kingdom’s visual presence in the digital space.
The Saudi Photo Platform, which can be reached on cc.spa.gov.sa, features high-resolution images, sorted by category and accompanied by detailed metadata, including event descriptions and publication dates.
The archive is continuously updated to document key national and international events, and the site is fully supported in both Arabic and English.
The initiative is part of SPA’s broader digital transformation agenda, aimed at modernizing publishing tools and fostering new partnerships with media outlets and online users worldwide, it said.
