Pilgrims Observe Tarwiyah in Mina, Pray at Mount Arafat as Hajj Reaches its Peak

Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)
Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)
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Pilgrims Observe Tarwiyah in Mina, Pray at Mount Arafat as Hajj Reaches its Peak

Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)
Hajj pilgrims from far and wide spent the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, Saudi Arabia (SPA)

On Friday, Hajj pilgrims observed the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, following the prophetic tradition.
They enjoyed a peaceful and secure environment as they prepared for their journey to Arafat at dawn on Saturday, the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, to perform the crucial ‘standing at Arafat’ ritual.
The movement of pilgrims to Mina was smooth, monitored by thousands of security personnel.
The Saudi government provided comprehensive care, mobilizing all resources to offer top-tier services, ensuring the pilgrims could perform their rituals with ease and comfort.
Thousands Gather at Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina
Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina was filled with several thousands of worshippers in a spiritual and secure atmosphere.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs launched a major upgrade to the mosque’s air conditioning, adding over 780 new units and 73 air purification systems.
These improvements ensure a constant flow of fresh air and keep the temperature inside at a comfortable 20 degrees Celsius.
Al-Khaif Mosque in Mina has long been a focus for Muslim leaders. Expanded in 1987, it now features four minarets, advanced lighting, air conditioning, and carpeting. It also includes a restroom complex with over a thousand facilities.
Pilgrims traveling to Mount Arafat benefit from extensive services provided by various government sectors to ensure their comfort and ease during their spiritual journey.
At Namirah Mosque in Arafat, pilgrims will perform combined and shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers after listening to the Arafat sermon by Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly, Imam of the Grand Mosque.
The sermon will be translated into 20 languages, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leadership, tolerance, moderation, and global peace.
At sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, where they perform Maghrib and Isha prayers.
They spend the night there until dawn on Sunday, the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
On Eid al-Adha, they will throw stones at the largest Jamarat pillar, perform the sacrificial slaughter, shave their heads, and then go to the Grand Mosque for Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
New Flexible Flooring Enhances Pilgrim Comfort
The Royal Commission for Makkah has installed flexible flooring at the holy sites using the latest technology. This project aims to make the pilgrimage more comfortable and safe by reducing the effort needed for walking and minimizing heat stress.
The flooring, made from recycled rubber, increases comfort, reduces injuries, improves the area's appearance, and lowers heat emissions.
Moreover, Makkah experienced a surge in electricity demand on Thursday, the eve of Tarwiyah, reaching 5,361 megawatts—a 20% rise from the previous year’s 4,451 megawatts.
The Saudi Electricity Company is actively managing power services across Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah during Hajj.
Highly skilled teams ensure reliability, readiness for emergencies, and swift response to maintenance and reports via the unified security operations center and social media.



Kuwait Implements Systematic Power Cuts to Reduce Load on Grid

The decision comes a day after a major power outage was witnessed in large parts of residential areas in the country. (KUNA)
The decision comes a day after a major power outage was witnessed in large parts of residential areas in the country. (KUNA)
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Kuwait Implements Systematic Power Cuts to Reduce Load on Grid

The decision comes a day after a major power outage was witnessed in large parts of residential areas in the country. (KUNA)
The decision comes a day after a major power outage was witnessed in large parts of residential areas in the country. (KUNA)

Kuwait began on Thursday to implement scheduled power cuts during peak consumption hours, with the aim to meet increased demand caused by extreme summer heat.
The measure comes a day after a major power outage was witnessed in large parts of residential areas in the country.
The ministry released a schedule for the expected outages across several regions and urged residents to conserve energy to reduce the strain on power plants.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education decided to suspend work in all schools and start the summer vacation for its employees starting on Sunday. The suspension applies to all employees except those involved in administering exams for intermediate and secondary school students. The decision aims to reduce electrical load demand across the region.
The Ministry of Endowments also said it will shut down air conditioners ten minutes after prayer times in mosques to reduce power consumption.
The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy announced on Thursday the implementation of programmed cuts in the Wafra and Abdali farms areas for two hours daily, as well as in the industrial zones in Port Abdullah, Al-Rai and Sulaibiya at 1 pm for two hours.
The Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Traffic Department, announced that motorized bicycles used for delivery activities will be banned from 11 am to 4 pm, starting Sunday, June 23, until August 31.
The Meteorological Department at the General Administration of Civil Aviation in Kuwait expected temperatures on Thursday and over the weekend to remain very high during the day, with a relative rise in humidity in the coastal areas.
The director of the administration, Abdul Aziz Al-Qarawi, said in a statement reported by the Kuwait News Agency that the country is currently affected by the extension of the Indian monsoon low, which brings a hot and occasionally humid air mass. The winds are expected to shift from northwesterly to southeasterly at light to moderate speeds, occasionally becoming active, particularly in the western regions. As a result, daytime temperatures will be extremely hot, and nighttime temperatures will remain high with increased humidity in coastal areas.