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.



Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
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Albudaiwi Affirms Solidity of GCC Economy to Face Economic Challenges

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed the solidity and strength of the GCC economy and its ability to face economic challenges, the Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday.
Albudaiwi’s statement came in his recorded speech at the roundtable meeting between the GCC and American companies, which was held under the patronage of the US Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in the US capital, Washington.
The steps taken by the GCC countries to strengthen trade and investment ties with the US focused greatly on the mutual benefits of this economic partnership, said Albudaiwi.
He also stressed that the six GCC countries enjoy long-term and strong trade and investment relations with the US, and these relations are witnessing clear and significant progress, explaining that these partnerships play a pivotal role in enhancing economic growth, innovation and development across various sectors.
During his speech, he projected some statistics that confirm the progress of cooperation between the two sides, such as achieving bilateral trade between the GCC countries and the US in 2023 of around $180 billion.
GCC countries have also achieved great success in the energy sectors, ranking first globally in crude oil production and reserves and second in natural gas reserves, he noted.
Touching on future strategic GCC projects, such as the GCC railway project, he said it will enhance connectivity between Middle Eastern countries and provide great cooperation opportunities with American partners. He added that the Council countries are working at an accelerated pace to develop digital infrastructure and transition to a technology-based diversified economy.
Albudaiwi concluded by expressing the commitment of the GCC countries to enhancing stability and development in the region, pointing to the ongoing GCC's efforts to resolve regional conflicts and maintain peace and security to achieve more growth and prosperity. He underscored the determination of the GCC countries to deepen cooperation with the US, and ensure sustainable economic growth for future generations on both sides.