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Health and Staying Safe in the Heat

Short answer: Makkah and Madinah are hot for most of the year and you walk a lot. Drink plenty of water, avoid the midday sun, use an umbrella and take your medicines on time. If you feel seriously unwell, get help straight away.

At a glance

  • Water: small amounts of water and Zamzam all day
  • Sun: go out less at midday; carry an umbrella
  • Rest: get enough sleep alongside worship
  • Medicines: enough for the whole trip, with the prescription
  • Emergency: ambulance or the unified emergency number

Signs of heat illness

Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea. Sit in the shade or somewhere cool straight away, drink water and ORS, and rest.

Heat stroke: very hot body, sweating stops, confusion, fainting. This is dangerous. Call an ambulance immediately, move the person somewhere cool and pour water over their body.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Carry a water bottle and refill it at the Haram coolers.
  2. Pick your time: do Umrah and ziyarat early in the morning or at night.
  3. Clothing: wear light-coloured cotton. Wear comfortable shoes to protect your feet.
  4. Medicines: take them on time and keep them in your hand bag. Diabetics should carry something sweet.
  5. Hygiene: wash your hands often and wear a mask in crowds; coughs and colds are common.
  6. Rest: sleep for some hours every day.

Do

  • Dark urine means you haven’t drunk enough.
  • Give elderly people water often; they feel less thirsty.
  • Dress blisters with a clean bandage.

Don’t

  • Don’t walk barefoot on sun-heated floors.
  • Don’t change your medicines yourself or take other people’s.
  • Don’t ignore feeling unwell and carry on with worship.

Common mistakes

  • Going hours without water in the enthusiasm of worship.
  • Doing Umrah or ziyarat in the midday sun.
  • Not sleeping enough and falling ill within a few days.

Frequently asked questions

Where will I be treated if I fall ill? There are first-aid centres in the Haram, and health insurance is included with the Umrah visa. Details are on the “What if I fall ill?” page.

Which number do I call for medical advice? The Ministry of Health number and other numbers are on the “Emergency Numbers” page.