Saudi Arabia urges Hajj pilgrims to stay in tents during peak heat hours on Arafat Day

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued a series of precautionary directives urging pilgrims to remain in their designated tents on Arafat Day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pilgrims were specifically advised not to leave for Jabal Al Rahmah (Mount Arafat) or Masjid Namirah during these hours.

The Saudi Press Agency quoted the Ministry as saying the measure aims to protect pilgrims from direct exposure to intense sunlight and soaring temperatures forecast across the sacred sites.

The ministry also emphasised the need to strictly comply with official group movement schedules (tafweej) approved by the relevant authorities. 

Pilgrims have been asked to avoid walking between sites and to use only the authorised transportation modes arranged as part of the Hajj logistical system.

These transportation measures aim to maintain order and protect public health, especially during high-risk hours.

In addition, the Ministry emphasized the importance of carrying and displaying the official “Nusuk” identification card, which each pilgrim is required to wear throughout their stay in the holy sites.

The card enables authorities to identify and assist individuals quickly in case of emergency and is considered an essential tool in the Hajj coordination plan.

Service providers and Hajj mission leaders were also instructed to ensure their pilgrims are fully informed of these guidelines and comply with them without exception.

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, attracts Muslims from around the world for a five-day journey of devotion and endurance.

The General Directorate of Passports announced that, as of the end of Friday, May 30, a total of 1,396,644 pilgrims have arrived from abroad through all of the Kingdom’s ports. Of these, 1,326,323 pilgrims entered via airports, 65,228 through land ports, and 5,093 arrived by sea.

-- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE