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Hajj 2024: Amid extreme weather forecast comes UV protected umbrella for pilgrims

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia has designed a special umbrella which protects pilgrims from ultraviolet radiation.

Tuesday May 21, 2024 11:55 PM, ummid.com News Network

Makkah: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia has designed a special umbrella which protects pilgrims from ultraviolet radiation.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the UV umbrellas for the pilgrims amidst the weather forecast for the Hajj 2024 which predicts extreme heatwave.

Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, this year is likely to be performed from June 14 to 19, 2024 when the temperature in the Kingdom normally is at its peak.

"This year’s Haj season falls in June, a period when temperatures and humidity levels are usually high", Head of the Saudi National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, said in an interview.

The ministry has announced various measures for the safety and wellbeing of the pilgrims including introduction of the UV Protection Umbrellas.

“The umbrellas are designed to provide a shield to the pilgrims from harmful sun rays, offering critical UV protection during the long hours of sun exposure”, the ministry said.

‘Special Design’

Apart from providing protection from ultraviolet radiation, the umbrellas come with a special design allowing pilgrims to prostrate while wearing them.

“The new umbrellas ensure that pilgrims perform prayers without having to remove it. This will provide both convenience and comfort in the extreme weather condition”, the ministry said.

The umbrellas also come with a storage pocket allowing pilgrims to carry daily life essentials like a water bottle or a prayer mat, making for them easier to pray and stay hydrated.

Pilgrims can get these umbrellas at collection points throughout the Hajj routes, the ministry said.

‘Climate Impact on Hajj’

NCM Chief Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam also in an interview with Al Arabiya said the centre is holding a workshop titled “Climatic Impact on Haj 1445 AH” to discuss the potential effects of this heatwave on the pilgrims.

Ghulam stressed the importance of ensuring the well-being of pilgrims. “We have reviewed the logistical aspects of food and drink provisions within the pilgrim camps,” he said.

“It was necessary to be in touch with the agencies concerned and notify them of the weather forecasts at the holy places so that they can take precautions during this year’s Haj,” he added.

In another measure to make Hajj Journey hassle free, the ministry had earlier launched Digital Identity (ID) Platform ‘Absher’.

The service allows Hajj pilgrims to electronically verify their identity through the Absher and Tawakkalna platforms to streamline their journey, enhance the quality of services provided to them, and improve their experience.

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