萝莉视频

The smart pilgrim鈥檚 suitcase: What Saudis are packing for Hajj

The smart pilgrim鈥檚 suitcase: What Saudis are packing for Hajj
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Saudi volunteers are providing support and assistance to pilgrims upon their arrival to ensure a smooth, spiritual journey. (SPA)
The smart pilgrim鈥檚 suitcase: What Saudis are packing for Hajj
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Saudi volunteers are providing support and assistance to pilgrims upon their arrival to ensure a smooth, spiritual journey. (SPA)
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Updated 29 May 2025

The smart pilgrim鈥檚 suitcase: What Saudis are packing for Hajj

The smart pilgrim鈥檚 suitcase: What Saudis are packing for Hajj
  • Tech gadgets find their way to the holy cities alongside traditional garments
  • Modern pilgrims pack for comfort as well as reverence and spiritual intent聽

RIYADH: As Hajj season approaches, pilgrims throughout 萝莉视频 are making lists, checking supplies, and organizing their thoughts for what many consider the most significant journey of their lives.

Alongside the spiritual preparations, pilgrims are packing Hajj suitcases with the traditional white garments and hygiene essentials as well as more personalized, thoughtful and even high-tech items.

From prayer lists and handwritten dua cards to smartwatches, earbuds, and journal notebooks, the modern pilgrim approaches Hajj not only with reverence but with intent, structure, and a little comfort.

For many, this approach reflects how deeply Hajj is embedded into the personal identity and emotional world of the pilgrim.

Arab News spoke with a few people who have previously completed Hajj to get an idea of what it is like to prepare for the pilgrimage.

鈥淚 packed my journal because I felt this experience deserved to be documented in detail,鈥 Shatha Al-Jadaan, 25, told Arab News. 鈥淚 also included my daily skincare products, easy-access snacks, and drip coffee sachets 鈥 lifesaver,鈥 she added.

The contents of Al-Jadaan鈥檚 suitcase told the story of a young woman approaching Hajj with equal parts practicality and reflection.

Her essentials included headphones, a smartwatch and a hair dryer 鈥 items she considered necessary after each of the physically demanding rituals.

For her, the process of preparation brought a deep sense of meaning.

鈥淲hat struck me the most was the realization that this journey is unlike any other,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he version of me leaving home is not the same one returning.

鈥淭hat thought hit me hardest when I was writing prayer lists for loved ones. People sent very specific prayers, personal hopes and goals. I even made a separate list so I wouldn鈥檛 forget anyone, including myself.鈥

Some pilgrims take a simpler approach. For Ethar Abdulrahman, 22, the focus was on utility and peace of mind.

鈥淢y essentials were a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, deodorant, underclothes, outerwear, hair ties and wet wipes,鈥 she said. 鈥淎nd I only brought my personal phone 鈥 just to stay in touch with my family.鈥

What made her preparation emotional was the fact that it was her first Hajj 鈥 and at a young age.

鈥淭he idea that I was going on Hajj for the first time and at such a young age was emotional on its own. Packing my personal items and bringing prayer books made it even more special.鈥

She also relied heavily on advice from seasoned pilgrims: 鈥淏ring Panadol, fever reducers, painkillers, and muscle relief cream. That advice helped me a lot.鈥

Her words reflect the layered purpose of each item: some for health, some for spiritual focus, and some simply for emotional safety.

Al-Jadaan echoed the sentiment. 鈥淎 lot of people told me to only wear cotton and make sure my shoes were extremely comfortable. And it was the best advice I received.鈥

The overlap between generational wisdom and modern convenience shows how today鈥檚 pilgrims are combining tradition with adaptation.

For Mariam Al-Osaimi, 27, essential oils were a must. 鈥淚 brought lavender and peppermint oil. Lavender helped me sleep, and peppermint was great for energy. They became part of my daily Hajj routine 鈥 almost like a spiritual ritual.鈥

Others took folding prayer mats, lightweight Qur鈥檃n readers, and portable chargers 鈥 recognizing the role technology can play in navigating crowds, locating tents, or staying connected to family.

One of the more discreet but powerful changes to the modern Hajj experience is the seamless integration of digital tools. Most pilgrims now use digital Qur鈥檃n apps, prayer reminder apps, or even step counters to track their movement during the rites.

Abdulrahman Al-Ruwaili, 29, said his smartwatch was more than just a gadget. 鈥淚 set reminders for prayer times, prayers for each ritual, and even tracked my heart rate on the way to Jamarat,鈥 he said.

鈥淚t helped me stay focused, grounded, and aware of how my body was responding, in case of potential panic attack due to my medical condition.鈥

While some may frown at these modern additions, many people see them as useful companions in the demanding spiritual and physical journey.


How NEOM is rewilding 萝莉视频 and reviving ancient falconry traditions

How NEOM is rewilding 萝莉视频 and reviving ancient falconry traditions
Updated 27 sec ago

How NEOM is rewilding 萝莉视频 and reviving ancient falconry traditions

How NEOM is rewilding 萝莉视频 and reviving ancient falconry traditions
  • NEOM is combining heritage and science to protect biodiversity in one of 萝莉视频鈥檚 most diverse landscapes
  • Falcons are returning to the wild thanks to efforts to revive their natural habitat and bolster their numbers

RIYADH: As the world marks World Environment Day, a global celebration of nature and a call to protect our planet, attention turns to an ecological transformation taking place in northwestern 萝莉视频.

NEOM, the Kingdom鈥檚 futuristic megacity project, is rapidly becoming a haven for biodiversity 鈥 and at the heart of this effort is a renewed commitment to falcon conservation.

Under the banner of the Hadad Program, NEOM is working in partnership with the Saudi Falcons Club and other national entities to reintroduce native falcon species to the Arabian Peninsula, rebuild local ecosystems, and revive an ancient cultural tradition.

TNEOM, Saudi Falcons Club and other national entities are working together to reintroduce native falcon species to the Arabian Peninsula.  (Supplied)

The work being done in NEOM is about more than saving birds; it is about restoring balance to a landscape often misunderstood as barren and bringing nature back to the center of modern development.

Since 1973, June 5 has been observed as World Environment Day. Led by the UN Environment Programme, it serves as a platform to raise awareness and prompt action on pressing environmental issues from climate change and pollution to biodiversity loss.

Announced in 2017 as part of 萝莉视频鈥檚 Vision 2030 reform agenda, NEOM is a $500 billion mega-project designed to reshape the future of urban living, sustainability and technology.

FASTFACT

鈥 World Environment Day, held on June 5 since 1973, raises awareness on global issues like climate change and biodiversity loss.

Encompassing 26,500 square kilometers of mountains, desert, and coastline along the Red Sea, NEOM鈥檚 planners aim to build a zero-emission, high-tech region powered entirely by renewable energy.

Yet beyond the cities of the future lies a growing commitment to the past 鈥 particularly in preserving and restoring the Kingdom鈥檚 natural heritage.

This photo taken on April 19, 2024 shows Tarek Qaddumi (R), executive director of the 萝莉视频 mega-project NEOM, giving a briefing on NEOM sites at a visual culture exhibition in Hong Kong. (AFP/File)

鈥淧eople tend to assume that this part of the world is an empty desert, but NEOM is stunning for its habitat diversity,鈥 Paul Marshall, head of nature conservation at NEOM, told Arab News.

Indeed, NEOM鈥檚 terrain is anything but barren, from mountain peaks reaching 2,600 meters above sea level to oceanic depths plummeting 1.5 kilometers. In between are red sand deserts, canyons and caves, and spectacular shores with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.

This biologically rich region is home to creatures great and small: from hyrax, ibex and oryx to hedgehogs, gazelles and a wide variety of birds and insects.

鈥淔rom those plants we have insects and mammals. Then, we have the large mammals, of course,鈥 Marshall said.

Paul Marshall, head of nature conservation at NEOM. (Supplied)

Before human encroachment, the region was even home to apex predators such as cheetahs, lynx and leopards. Now, through conservation, NEOM is seeking to recreate conditions that allow such species to return.

鈥淔or all of our biodiversity, it is still a fundamentally arid ecosystem,鈥 he said. 鈥淭he species here have adapted to survive with very low rainfall and because of that, they are able to thrive despite the conditions.鈥

The Hadad Program supports NEOM鈥檚 rewilding strategy by reintroducing native falcon species, most notably the lanner and barbary falcons. 鈥淭his is a really exciting program,鈥 Marshall said. 鈥淚t is one of many programs we are doing to restore the full ecosystem in the NEOM area.鈥

Despite the climatic conditions, several types of plants were able to grow and uniquely adapt to different parts of NEOM鈥檚 ecosystem.

鈥淔rom those plants we have insects and mammals. Then, we have the large mammals, of course,鈥 he said.

He added: 鈥淭his is a really exciting program. It is one of many programs we are doing to restore the full ecosystem in the NEOM area.鈥

Falcons used to be widespread throughout the whole of the Arabian Peninsula. But, through a combination of hunting and capturing for sports, in many places, Marshall said, that these animals are hard to find. Today, efforts are underway to bring them back.

With the rich habitat and the efforts to safeguard the falcons, they are creating an environment where the species can be released with the best chances of survival.

They successfully released eight pairs of barbary falcons, which are a very rare type; very few of them are left in the wild.

鈥淲e are committed to caring for falcons as a cultural and historical heritage and supporting all related activities through a set of regulations and organizational frameworks adopted by the club,鈥 Talal Abdulaziz AlShammisi, CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, told Arab News.

鈥淭his includes promoting and preserving falconry heritage, organizing falcon auctions, collaborating with universities, colleges, research centers and health institutions to conduct falcon-related studies and scientific research.鈥

Falconry is not just a pastime in 萝莉视频; it is a centuries-old tradition deeply woven into the fabric of national identity.

鈥淔alconry has been practiced by our ancestors across the deserts of the Kingdom for centuries and today the country is home to thousands of falcons and passionate falconers,鈥 said AlShammisi.

鈥淟ocal species such as the lanner falcon and the barbary falcon are native to the Saudi environment and hold significant ecological value as essential components of environmental balance.鈥

The barbary falcon, once on the brink of extinction in parts of the Arabian Peninsula, is now making a comeback. Thanks to the Hadad Program鈥檚 careful release, rehabilitation and monitoring strategies, the birds are beginning to reclaim their place in Saudi skies.

The initiative鈥檚 success is underpinned by a network of partnerships.

FASTFACT

26,500

Area (square kilometers) of NEOM spanning mountains, desert and Red Sea coastline.

NEOM is working with the Saudi National Center for Wildlife, the Saudi Falcon Club and the Special Forces for Environmental Security to monitor these falcons, to protect them and give them not only the best chances of survival but appearing and breeding.

Soon, the first new generation of barbary falcons is expected to hatch in NEOM.

While falcons are among the stars of NEOM鈥檚 rewilding efforts, the program goes much further. More than 1,100 animals once absent from the region 鈥 including oryx, ibex, mountain gazelles and sand gazelles 鈥 have been reintroduced to help restore a natural ecological balance.

The reintroduction of different species of animals is not only a victory for biodiversity but also a chance to restore natural food chains and ecological interactions that sustained this environment for millennia.

With plans to extend across 95 percent of megacity project鈥檚 total land area, the NEOM Nature Reserve represents one of the most ambitious conservation zones in the world.

Through projects such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, the Kingdom aims to plant billions of trees, reduce emissions, and protect vast swaths of land and sea.

As World Environment Day shines a spotlight on the urgent need to protect and restore our natural world, NEOM stands as a compelling example of how large-scale development and ecological stewardship can go hand in hand.
 

 


Saudi minister conducts field tour of Makkah鈥檚 holy sites

Saudi minister conducts field tour of Makkah鈥檚 holy sites
Updated 44 min 55 sec ago

Saudi minister conducts field tour of Makkah鈥檚 holy sites

Saudi minister conducts field tour of Makkah鈥檚 holy sites

萝莉视频鈥檚 Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah conducted a field tour of the holy sites to inspect camp readiness and facilities ahead of pilgrims鈥 move to Arafat on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He emphasized the need for coordination across entities and adherence to high operational standards.

Al-Rabiah also reviewed accommodation, logistics and the integration of health, technical and support services to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.


Saudi authorities launch self-help e-book to guide Hajj pilgrims to perform rituals correctly

Saudi authorities launch self-help e-book to guide Hajj pilgrims to perform rituals correctly
Updated 04 June 2025

Saudi authorities launch self-help e-book to guide Hajj pilgrims to perform rituals correctly

Saudi authorities launch self-help e-book to guide Hajj pilgrims to perform rituals correctly
  • Pilgrims can use their smartphones to tap on a download point, select their preferred language, and upload the guide to their devices

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have launched a self-help e-book in various languages to guide and teach pilgrims about Hajj and Umrah rituals in order to perform them in accordance with Islamic rules.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance said the smart rituals guide is available in various locations in Makkah and Madinah, and other holy sites.

Pilgrims can use their smartphones to tap on a download point, select their preferred language, and upload the guide to their devices, the ministry added.

The initiative is part of several educational programs launched in the past weeks by the ministry to help over 1.25 million pilgrims currently undertaking Hajj perform their once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage correctly.

Saudi authorities, including health, logistical, and security sectors, have deployed cutting-edge technologies for this Hajj season, including drones to deliver medicines and artificial intelligence to safeguard and serve Muslim pilgrims.


Inside the Kingdom鈥檚 digitally powered vision for Hajj

Inside the Kingdom鈥檚 digitally powered vision for Hajj
Updated 04 June 2025

Inside the Kingdom鈥檚 digitally powered vision for Hajj

Inside the Kingdom鈥檚 digitally powered vision for Hajj
  • A massive, tech-driven operation is ensuring a smooth, safe Hajj for millions

JEDDAH: With millions of pilgrims expected, 萝莉视频 is mobilizing a sophisticated, tech-driven operation for Hajj this year, leveraging one of the world鈥檚 most complex logistical efforts.

At the center is the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, leading a nationwide push to upgrade digital infrastructure, streamline crowd management, and enforce permit regulations, all shaped by lessons from previous Hajj seasons.

Dr. Ghassan Alnwaimi, ministry spokesperson, told Arab News that digital transformation remains at the heart of this strategy.

鈥淐rowd management has been strengthened through collaboration with security forces, AI-powered monitoring at the Smart Makkah Operations Center, and updated visa gate protocols,鈥 Alnwaimi added.

鈥淭he success of Hajj is not the result of a single entity, but a coordinated, government-wide effort,鈥 Alnwaimi emphasized. 鈥淰arious ministries and agencies work together across all stages to ensure a seamless experience for pilgrims.鈥

These government entities include the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, Security Forces, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.

A valid Hajj permit remains key to access and services. The 鈥淣o Permit, No Hajj鈥 campaign ensures that every pilgrim is registered, monitored, and fully supported throughout their journey.

萝莉视频 also remains committed to an inclusive Hajj experience, serving pilgrims of all backgrounds through a multilingual outreach and tailored support. Over 300 awareness tools, including guides and instructional videos, cover health, rituals, safety, and logistics for global audiences.

On the ground, more than 167,000 trained personnel are deployed across 10 countries, offering support in 14 languages.

Health kits and educational materials, developed with the Ministry of Health, are available in at least eight languages, including Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Malay, and Turkish.

These efforts align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to make Hajj more inclusive and accessible to Muslims worldwide.

The enhanced Nusuk ecosystem and its upgraded Nusuk Card now integrate mobility, security, and entry and exit procedures to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.

鈥淔or the 2025 season, more than 1.4 million smart cards have been issued,鈥 said Alnwaimi. 鈥淓ach card is linked to the Nusuk app, which now offers over 160 digital services.鈥

The Nusuk Card has become a central element of the digital Hajj ecosystem, enhancing safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency.

The ministry has also implemented a multi-layered monitoring system to ensure the quality of services provided to registered pilgrims.

Operational contracts are formalized in advance through the Nusuk digital platform. During the Hajj season, more than 3,400 field inspections have been conducted to check compliance in areas such as accommodation, transport, catering, and general services.

鈥淒igital tools are central to real-time oversight,鈥 Alnwaimi explained. 鈥淭he Nusuk Card and app support health and safety monitoring, while 24/7 support is available through Nusuk Care Centers and the Pilgrims鈥 Care Center hotline (1966), which handles inquiries and complaints.鈥

These smart cards also grant access to the holy sites, including the Grand Mosque, and securely store key personal data like health records and accommodation details. For elderly and vulnerable pilgrims, they link to wearable devices that transmit real-time data to medical teams, enabling swift emergency response.

The app integrates features like real-time crowd alerts, smart navigation, health data sharing, and multilingual artificial intelligence-powered translation. It offers more than 150 religious FAQs, 160 prayers and supplications, 250 educational resources, and over 200 personalized alerts throughout the pilgrimage.

鈥淭he app offers real-time maps with over 20,000 key locations across the holy sites,鈥 added Alnwaimi. 鈥(Nusuk app) reflects how faith and technology are coming together to enhance both the spiritual and logistical aspects of Hajj.鈥

One of the ministry鈥檚 standout initiatives is the Makkah Route program, which simplifies visa, health, and customs procedures for around 249,000 pilgrims before they even depart their home countries.

Through this program, pilgrims complete all required steps, including electronic visa issuance, biometric registration, and health verification at designated airports abroad. Their luggage is coded and sorted according to their transportation and accommodation details in 萝莉视频.

Upon arrival, pilgrims are taken directly to their accommodations in Makkah or Madinah, while partner agencies handle luggage delivery.

Currently, the Makkah Route operates in eight countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Morocco, Cote d鈥橧voire, and the Maldives.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah adopts a data-driven approach to tracking pilgrim satisfaction in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

鈥淎fter Hajj, feedback is collected through direct testimonials, structured surveys, and digital platforms, providing valuable insights into each pilgrim鈥檚 experience,鈥 Alnwaimi said. 鈥淲e are pleased to share that the satisfaction rate has steadily increased from 74 percent in 2022 to 78 percent in 2023, and now to 81 percent in 2024.鈥


Saudi authorities furnish Namirah Mosque with 125,000 sq. m of carpets to serve Hajj pilgrims

Saudi authorities furnish Namirah Mosque with 125,000 sq. m of carpets to serve Hajj pilgrims
Updated 04 June 2025

Saudi authorities furnish Namirah Mosque with 125,000 sq. m of carpets to serve Hajj pilgrims

Saudi authorities furnish Namirah Mosque with 125,000 sq. m of carpets to serve Hajj pilgrims
  • Namirah Mosque has been fully prepared and upgraded to receive pilgrims, of whom 1.25 million embarked Wednesday on pilgrimage
  • The mosque鈥檚 backyard was equipped with 19 canopies capable of reducing heat by an average of 10 degrees Celsius

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have furnished the Namirah Mosque near Mount Arafat, an essential holy site for Muslim pilgrims during Hajj, with thousands of square meters of carpets.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance announced on Wednesday that Namirah Mosque has been fully prepared and upgraded to receive pilgrims, of whom 1.25 million embarked on Wednesday on pilgrimage.

The mosque was furnished with 125,000 sq. m of luxurious carpets to provide comfort for Hajj pilgrims, while its backyard was equipped with 19 canopies capable of reducing heat by an average of 10 degrees Celsius.

Reflective paint was applied to the floor, and 117 fog fans were installed in the surrounding courtyards to reduce temperatures by an average of 9 degrees Celsius, the ministry added.

Namirah Mosque is ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of pilgrims on the Day of Arafat, which begins on the evening of June 4 and ends on June 5. Afterward, the pilgrims will proceed to the holy sites of Muzdalifah and Mina.

The ministry has upgraded the mosque鈥檚 ventilation, air conditioning and purification system to monitor carbon dioxide levels and to allow for 100 percent air renewal every 30 minutes.

To create a healthier environment for pilgrims, the ministry has installed 70 water chillers; each unit can serve up to 2,000 pilgrims an hour, with a total capacity of quenching the thirst of 140,000 pilgrims an hour. In addition, it has updated the site鈥檚 audio system and security surveillance cameras.

Namirah Mosque is one of the largest in the world, accommodating nearly 400,000 worshippers at once. It features 72 gates and entrances. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon at this site.