Saudi Health Ministry Urges Hajj Pilgrims to Use Umbrellas to Avoid Sunstroke

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health emphasized on Friday the importance of using sun umbrellas to prevent sunstroke during the Hajj. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health emphasized on Friday the importance of using sun umbrellas to prevent sunstroke during the Hajj. (SPA)
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Saudi Health Ministry Urges Hajj Pilgrims to Use Umbrellas to Avoid Sunstroke

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health emphasized on Friday the importance of using sun umbrellas to prevent sunstroke during the Hajj. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health emphasized on Friday the importance of using sun umbrellas to prevent sunstroke during the Hajj. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health emphasized on Friday the importance of using sun umbrellas to prevent sunstroke during the Hajj, warning of the high temperatures expected in Makkah this year.

The ministry has been sending awareness and guidance messages to pilgrims, stressing the significance of umbrellas for protection from sunstroke, particularly during the peak temperatures between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The National Center of Meteorology has issued warnings about the anticipated high temperatures, which can lead to sunstroke and thermal shocks.

Given the weather conditions, pilgrims are also advised to stay indoors during peak hours, drink plenty of water, and rest to avoid heat exhaustion, especially for worshippers in Arafat.



Syrian President Begins Gulf Tour Following Easing of International Sanctions

A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
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Syrian President Begins Gulf Tour Following Easing of International Sanctions

A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the UAE's Presidential Court shows President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa (L) shake hands during their meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 07 July 2025. EPA/THE UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT /HANDOUT

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has begun a tour of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, marking his second visit to the region and his first since most international sanctions on Syria were lifted.

The trip, which began in the United Arab Emirates, underscores Damascus’s push to reintegrate economically and diplomatically into the Arab world after more than a decade of isolation.

According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, the tour aims to bolster economic cooperation and attract Gulf investments to support Syria’s national reconstruction and development plans.

Al-Sharaa arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday, where he was received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders held official talks focusing on post-war recovery, economic partnership, and infrastructure development.

Speaking during the meeting, al-Sharaa said Syria has “turned the page on war and division” and is now focused on building “strategic partnerships” with its Gulf neighbors. He praised the UAE’s role in supporting regional stability and expressed interest in learning from the Emirati model in sustainable development, digital transformation, and clean energy.

For his part, Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s full support for Syria’s efforts to restore stability and rebuild its war-torn economy. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties, especially in key sectors such as infrastructure, investment, and technology.