MAKKAH: As temperatures soared at the holy sites, Saudi Arabia confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among the more than one million pilgrims who have arrived to perform Hajj rituals.

All those affected received immediate medical attention and are currently in a stable condition, according to the ministry of health, which added that health teams were on high alert to respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims.

The country’s National Center for Meteorology has forecast hot to extremely hot weather conditions at the holy sites during this year’s Hajj season.

According to the center, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 40°C and 47°C, while minimum temperatures will vary between 27°C and 32°C. Humidity levels are projected to fluctuate between 15 percent and 60 percent.

In a post on its X account, the ministry urged pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and follow official health guidelines, such as using shaded walkways, wearing appropriate protective gear, and seeking help at the first signs of fatigue.

“If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke within 10-15 minutes — a life-threatening medical emergency,” the post stated.

The ministry also advised pilgrims who experience heat exhaustion symptoms to begin immediate cooling measures, such as washing their hands, faces and necks with cold water and moving to a cooler area, as well as drinking plenty of cold water to rehydrate.

In its post, the ministry identified headache, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, and severe thirst as key clinical symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Multilingual awareness campaigns have been launched, and field preparedness has been reinforced, particularly in response to seasonal heat risks.

The ministry had announced the health sector's readiness to receive pilgrims, revealing a 60 percent increase in bed capacity compared with last year.

Fahad Al-Jalajel, the minister of health, recently confirmed the deployment of over 50,000 medical and technical personnel to serve pilgrims and emphasized the stability of the health situation, with no reported outbreaks or epidemics, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

“Health efforts began early in pilgrims’ homelands by analyzing international health risks and issuing clear health requirements, including vaccinations against yellow fever, meningitis, polio, COVID-19, and influenza,” SPA reported, citing Al-Jalajel.

The minister underscored the role of the health certificate as the first line of defense during the Hajj season, noting that the Kingdom’s health system launched its services with the arrival of the first Makkah Route Initiative flight.

As part of the Kingdom’s comprehensive preparations, 14 land, air, and sea ports have been fully equipped, delivering more than 50,000 health services so far, including 140 surgical procedures, 65 cardiac catheterizations, and six open-heart surgeries, the minister said.

To combat heatstroke risks, Al-Jalajel announced a series of measures in coordination with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. These include planting more than 10,000 trees, installing 400 additional water coolers and misting fans, and expanding shaded pedestrian pathways to protect pilgrims from extreme heat.

The ministry of health has also intensified awareness efforts through multilingual campaigns, stationing field teams, launching media programs, and organizing medical missions to ensure important health information reaches all pilgrims.

Al-Jalajel further revealed the establishment of a new 200-bed emergency hospital in Mina, developed in collaboration with Kidana Development Co.

In addition, three new field hospitals with more than 1,200 beds have been set up in partnership with the ministries of national guard, defense, and interior.

These were inaugurated “alongside 71 emergency points, 900 ambulances, 11 evacuation aircraft, and over 7,500 paramedics,” Al-Jalajel told SPA.

The minister urged pilgrims to follow health guidelines and affirmed that the Kingdom’s health system is operating at full capacity to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj season for all.

Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Although Hajj is a profound journey for millions of Muslims every year, the spiritual fulfillment comes with numerous logistical challenges.
Fortunately, a wide range of applications is available to assist pilgrims throughout their journey, from planning and navigation to spiritual support.

Key apps for Hajj

Nusuk
One of the most essential apps for Hajj is Nusuk, developed by the Saudi government.
The app is an all-in-one resource for pilgrims, simplifying the planning process by providing information on visa applications and facilitating arrangements for Umrah and Rawdah slots.

3D Hajj
For those who appreciate interactive tools, 3D Hajj is a game-changer. This app features a detailed 3D model of key Hajj locations, allowing users to visually explore the sites they will visit ahead of time.
It provides step-by-step instructions for rituals, making it easier for pilgrims to understand and engage in the practices required during Hajj.

PHVG Hajj Navigator
Navigating the various sites during Hajj can be daunting. So Hajj Navigator — developed by Pakistan Hajj Volunteers Group, which is made up of Pakistani expatriates living in the Kingdom — addresses this challenge by providing real-time navigation assistance at Hajj sites.
Pilgrims can access resources that alleviate potential hassles, ensuring they can focus on their spiritual practices without getting lost in the crowd.
This app is particularly valuable given the vastness of the Hajj area and the sheer number of people present.

Qibla Finder
A crucial aspect of a Muslim’s daily practice is prayer, which requires the correct qibla direction.
Qibla Finder assists pilgrims in locating the qibla, ensuring they can perform their prayers accurately while maintaining their connection to Makkah.
This app is a simple yet important tool for anyone on the spiritual journey.

Labbayk
An official application from the government of Bangladesh, Labbayk provides a digital companion throughout the pilgrimage.
This app’s resources are tailored to the needs of its users including an SOS function in case of emergencies, helping users navigate the complexities of Hajj while ensuring they have access to relevant information and support during their journey.

Pak Hajj 2025
Pak Hajj 2025 is a valuable resource developed by Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.
This app delivers updates and information specifically for the 2025 Hajj season. It prepares pilgrims from Pakistan by keeping them informed about the latest developments, requirements, and resources.

Dua and Azkar
Spirituality is at the heart of Hajj, and Dua and Azkar is a valuable resource for supplications and remembrance.
This app helps users stay spiritually connected and focused on their journey by providing a wide range of prayers and reminders that enhance their spiritual experience.

Hislo
Exploring Islamic heritage sites adds depth to the Hajj experience. Developed by Saudi Noorah Al-Kadi, Hislo helps users locate and navigate these historical sites using GPS technology.
This app allows pilgrims to enrich their journey by discovering the history and significance of various locations and includes a social sharing element.

HHR Train
Traveling between major cities during Hajj can be complicated, but the official HHR Train app simplifies the process of booking and traveling on the Haramain railway between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.
This efficient transport option reduces travel time and enhances convenience for pilgrims.

Ride-hailing services
Getting around can also be managed by using ride-hailing services. Careem is a cost-effective option that is often cheaper than Uber, providing reliable transport for pilgrims. Uber is a dependable choice for those preferring professional drivers and an established service.
Incorporating these apps into your Hajj journey can significantly enhance the pilgrimage experience.