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Hajj moves on: Pilgrimage shifts to cooler seasons for next 25 years

Hajj moves on: Pilgrimage shifts to cooler seasons for next 25 years
According to the National Center of Meteorology, the 1446 Hajj season officially marks the end of the pilgrimage coinciding with the peak summer months, a pattern that will not return for another 25 years. (Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
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Updated 11 June 2025

Hajj moves on: Pilgrimage shifts to cooler seasons for next 25 years

Hajj moves on: Pilgrimage shifts to cooler seasons for next 25 years
  • Over the next two decades, the Islamic lunar calendar will bring Hajj progressively into cooler seasons

MAKKAH: Hajj this year will be remembered not only for its spiritual significance but also for its climatic turning point. According to the National Center of Meteorology, the 1446 Hajj season officially marks the end of the pilgrimage coinciding with the peak summer months, a pattern that will not return for another 25 years.

Over the next two decades, the Islamic lunar calendar will bring Hajj progressively into cooler seasons. Eight upcoming pilgrimages will take place in spring, followed by another eight in winter. After that, the dates will fall in autumn, gradually warming again until Hajj re-enters the summer cycle around the year 2050.

This shift is part of the natural lunar cycle, which causes the Islamic calendar to shift backward by about 10 to 11 days each Gregorian year. For Saudi authorities, climate experts, and pilgrims alike, the change provides relief from one of the most challenging aspects of performing Hajj: having to endure blistering desert temperatures.

For decades, the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance infrastructure and expand services during Hajj have often had to work around the burden of extreme heat. From providing cooling mist fans and shaded walkways to using emergency teams trained in heatstroke response, the challenge of keeping millions of pilgrims safe during peak summer has been central to planning.

“This marks a pivotal moment,” said Hamza Al-Dosari, a Riyadh-based geographer and climate researcher. “The summer pilgrimage has always brought with it additional risks — dehydration, heat exhaustion, and logistical pressures. Moving into spring and winter seasons means significantly reduced heat exposure for the pilgrims, and this will have both health and operational implications.”

Al-Dosari said the coming years will offer a rare opportunity to rethink how the Hajj experience is managed. “We’ll be seeing pilgrimages that occur in temperatures often 10 to 15 degrees lower than what we’ve dealt with in recent years. This changes everything, from the energy load on cooling systems to how fast emergency response teams can work. It also makes the pilgrimage more accessible to the elderly and those with chronic conditions.”

He also noted that this shift does not remove the need for continued environmental preparation. “Spring and winter bring their own weather patterns — rain, wind, occasional cold snaps. The planning doesn’t get easier; it just changes. But it will be a welcome adjustment for many.”

For pilgrims such as Sarah Al-Abdulmohsen, who performed Hajj this year, the news that future seasons will be cooler came with mixed emotions.

“I’m incredibly grateful I made it this year, but the heat was truly overwhelming,” said the 32-year-old Saudi from Dhahran. “At one point in Mina, I checked my phone and it said 47°C. You try to focus on your prayers, but your body is screaming for shade and water.”

Al-Abdulmohsen said she was thrilled to hear that future pilgrims will perform their rituals under gentler weather. “It’s good news. This will make a huge difference for the elderly and for families who’ve always worried about how the heat might affect their loved ones.”

She added that the intense conditions only strengthened her admiration for the logistics of the pilgrimage. “Despite the temperature, I saw volunteers helping people constantly — giving out water, spraying cooling mist. But you can’t deny that cooler seasons will make Hajj more comfortable, even emotionally. You’ll have more clarity of mind, more presence in your prayers.”

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques have not yet released public statements on how this seasonal shift will influence future planning, but the long-term outlook is promising.

“This could be a historic period for rethinking pilgrim services,” Al-Dosari said. “Think about transportation, food distribution, energy consumption — all of these improve in moderate weather. Even spiritual engagement may deepen, as pilgrims won’t be fighting against their physical limits to complete the rituals.”

With temperatures expected to be in the 20s and 30s Celsius in future seasons, planners may also be able to expand the use of outdoor spaces and reduce reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems, helping to align Hajj services with Ƶ’s broader sustainability goals under Vision 2030.

While many are welcoming the change, some seasoned pilgrims may find themselves nostalgic. Summer Hajj has been the norm for most Saudis under 40, with its own rhythm, expectations, and sense of trial. The struggle against heat has long been part of the journey’s narrative, testing faith and endurance.

Yet, for many others, especially those who delayed Hajj because of health concerns, this shift will finally open the door. With temperatures easing, the coming years could mean an increase in the number of pilgrims who were previously unable to perform the rituals due to medical or age-related reasons.

As the lunar calendar resets the course of one of Islam’s most important rituals, this transition may redefine what Hajj looks and feels like for an entire generation, not just spiritually, but physically and emotionally as well.


Team Vitality top leaderboard of Esports World Cup’s Club Championship in Riyadh

Team Vitality top leaderboard of Esports World Cup’s Club Championship in Riyadh
Updated 21 July 2025

Team Vitality top leaderboard of Esports World Cup’s Club Championship in Riyadh

Team Vitality top leaderboard of Esports World Cup’s Club Championship in Riyadh
  • Gen.G Esports, Team Falcons, AG.AL trail in rankings
  • Second week of tournament in Saudi capital featured dramatic comebacks, dominant performances

RIYADH: The 2025 Esports World Cup has concluded its second week of competitive gaming, with teams contending for a share of the historic prize pool and the ultimate prize: the Club Championship crown.

The event is being held in the Boulevard City entertainment hub in Riyadh, where thousands of the world’s top players are to compete in another five weeks of matches.

The tournament’s second week featured dramatic comebacks and dominant performances. Four new champions emerged, and the Club Championship leaderboard saw significant changes as teams earned points in multiple games.

South Korea’s Gen.G Esports won their second international title in just over a week, defeating Chinese team AG.AL by 3-2 in a thrilling League of Legends grand final.

Gen.G’s undefeated run in the Esports World Cup has extended their winning streak to 26 matches. They have also become the fastest team to secure back-to-back League of Legends championship titles.

Team Spirit, the Russian esports team, became champions of the Dota 2 tournament, losing only one game throughout the event. In the grand final they defeated Team Falcons by 3-0.

Their captain Yaroslav “Miposhka” Naidenov said: “There is not really much emotion as the grand final was not that hard.”

French esports organization Team Vitality achieved a perfect 4-0 victory over the Canadian team Gaimin Gladiators in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational (MWI), reclaiming their title after falling short last year. The Indonesian sisters Chell and Cinny, part of Team Vitality, won their first EWC title after finishing as runners-up in 2024.

Indonesia’s EVOS Esports dominated the Free Fire tournament, reaching match point by Game 6 of the finals and winning the championship after a dramatic final against Team Vitality. Rasyah Rasyid, 15, became the youngest most valuable player in EWC history, earning the Sony MVP Award and the $10,000 prize.

Team Vitality stood at the top of the Club Championship standings on Monday, followed by Gen.G Esports, Team Falcons, and AG.AL.


AlUla’s fruitful summer harvest marks community celebration

Khayrat AlUla celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage. (SPA)
Khayrat AlUla celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage. (SPA)
Updated 21 July 2025

AlUla’s fruitful summer harvest marks community celebration

Khayrat AlUla celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage. (SPA)
  • Annual Khayrat AlUla festival to showcase centuries-old agricultural heritage

RIYADH: The Royal Commission of AlUla on Monday announced the start of the much-anticipated Summer Fruits of AlUla Season.

The first event in the annual Khayrat AlUla harvest celebrations runs from July 22 to 28 at Al-Manshiyah Farmers Market.

Khayrat AlUla celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage. (SPA)

It highlights the produce of local farmers and productive families, and includes events for the display of dates, citrus, pomegranates and honey.

The initiative supports the commission’s goals of driving economic growth through community engagement and development projects tied to AlUla’s harvest cycles.

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125k

AlUla’s mango farms cover 125,000 hectares and yield over 1,125 tonnes, including the sanarah and zubda varieties.

AlUla is home to more than 5,000 farms and more than 50,000 trees. Its mango farms cover 125,000 hectares and yield over 1,125 tonnes, including the sanarah and zubda varieties.

The region also produces over 3,141 tonnes of figs, grapes, and pomegranates across more than 348 hectares.

Khayrat AlUla is held annually to celebrate the region’s centuries-old agricultural heritage, known for its high quality, distinctive produce.

The event reflects a deep-rooted culture of farming, passed down through generations, balanced with modern sustainability practices that safeguard natural resources.

The commission places strong emphasis on agriculture as a pillar of local economic development, which includes a boost for the tourism industry.

 


Saudi fashion shines at Osaka expo in Japan

Saudi fashion shines at Osaka expo in Japan
Updated 21 July 2025

Saudi fashion shines at Osaka expo in Japan

Saudi fashion shines at Osaka expo in Japan
  • Commission showcased its mission to preserve cultural identity and nurture the next generation of designers
  • Burak Cakmak: Bringing Saudi creativity to the forefront fosters meaningful exchange

RIYADH: The Fashion Commission has made a strong impression at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan with programming blending education, heritage and design, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Through a panel discussion and exhibition at the Saudi pavilion, the commission showcased its mission to preserve cultural identity and nurture the next generation of designers. 

The discussion focused on the manner in which culture shapes creative expression and how designers can balance tradition with innovation, the SPA added.

Burak Cakmak, the commission’s CEO, said: “Bringing Saudi creativity to the forefront fosters meaningful exchange. 

“Our designers share stories rooted in heritage while engaging a global audience seeking innovation, authenticity, and cultural relevance. This interplay bridges tradition and the future.”

The pavilion also highlighted cultural exchange with a curated exhibition of 10 pieces from two of the commission’s signature initiatives.

One was the "Saudi Heritage Revival" competition, held with Swarovski, challenging 26 designers to interpret this theme through sustainable fashion using the company’s crystals. 

The winner earned a residency at the Ƶ design house Dar Al-Hanouf, and the top five joined an international academic competition.

Another, the “Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion” program, gathered 25 participants in early 2025 for workshops on the country’s architecture, crafts, and garments. 

Designers created contemporary pieces inspired by local heritage, first shown at the Saudi Cup and now at Osaka. 

Both initiatives are a part of the commission’s Education and Talent Development track, which builds local expertise, preserves traditional crafts, and creates sustainable careers for Saudi designers.

At the pavilion, guests viewed the designs and spoke with commission members.

The commission’s presence at the expo underscores its commitment to advancing the creative industries as a part of Vision 2030. It aims to foster a fashion ecosystem that is proudly Saudi, globally relevant, and sustainable.


Saudi conjoined twins’ health stable days after separation surgery, chief program doctor confirms

Saudi conjoined twins’ health stable days after separation surgery, chief program doctor confirms
Updated 21 July 2025

Saudi conjoined twins’ health stable days after separation surgery, chief program doctor confirms

Saudi conjoined twins’ health stable days after separation surgery, chief program doctor confirms
  • Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah noted that the surgical wounds are healing well and expressed hope that artificial respiration could be discontinued within the next 4 days
  • Yara and Lara were born on Nov. 5, 2024, weighing a total of 10 kg, with independent upper and lower limbs, but were conjoined at the lower abdomen and pelvis

RIYADH: Eight-month-old Saudi conjoined twins who were separated last week by Saudi surgeons from the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program remain in stable condition, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah confirmed on Monday.

Al-Rabeeah, who heads the program’s medical and surgical team and serves as the supervisor general of KSrelief, said that conjoined twins Yara and Lara are showing positive signs of healing after undergoing surgery last week at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh.

“All the twins’ vital signs have returned to normal, and they remain on artificial respiration in the intensive care unit,” he said.

“Their intestinal functions have begun to resume, and nutrition will gradually be introduced through a nasogastric feeding tube. The twins are under close observation and are receiving antibiotics to prevent infection,” he added.

Al-Rabeeah noted that the surgical wounds are healing well and expressed hope that artificial respiration could be discontinued within the next four days, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Yara and Lara were conjoined at the lower abdomen and pelvis, sharing parts of the small intestine, colon, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as a pelvic bone. They were born on Nov. 5, 2024, weighing a total of 10 kg, with independent upper and lower limbs.

The surgery on July 17 lasted 12.5 hours over nine stages. It involved a team of 38 specialists, including pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, urologists, plastic surgeons, orthopedists and other support staff.

The Saudi Conjoined Twins Program has assessed 150 cases from 27 countries over 35 years, separating 65 of those cases. Yara and Lara are the 16th successful separation of Saudi twins among 45 nationals that the program has examined, the SPA added.


KAUST develops new tool to advance study of human embryos

KAUST develops new tool to advance study of human embryos
Updated 21 July 2025

KAUST develops new tool to advance study of human embryos

KAUST develops new tool to advance study of human embryos
  • Scientists explain how tool analyzes pictures 1,000 times faster than human experts
  • Mo Li: With deepBlastoid we can scale up blastoid research to study embryo development

RIYADH: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has developed a new tool to study models of human embryos grown under artificial laboratory conditions.

Scientists at the university have explained how the tool — deepBlastoid — is capable of analyzing pictures of the models with results of equal quality to human experts — but 1,000 times faster.

“Little is known about the very early stages of embryo development. With deepBlastoid we can scale up blastoid research to study embryo development and the effects of chemicals on the embryo and pregnancy,” said Mo Li, an associate professor at KAUST and an expert in stem cell biology.

The laboratory at which Li works pioneered the embryo models known as human blastoids.

The understanding of the human embryo in its early stages is significantly important for scientists in order to study fertility and detect pregnancy complications as well as developmental disorders.

Due to ethical considerations, this type of research on human embryos has been limited.

In this study, researchers at KAUST developed and trained their new tool using more than 2,000 microscopic images of blastoids.

They also used the tool to analyze the impact of various chemicals on blastoid development, examining an additional 10,000 images.

The insights gained from the KAUST research are of significance for women who are taking prescription medication or other drugs while planning for pregnancy, as they shed light on how such substances might interfere with early embryonic development.

Peter Wonka, professor and member of the Center of Excellence for Generative AI at KAUST, said that “deepBlastoid not only matches human performance in accuracy, it delivers an unparalleled increase in throughput. This efficiency allows scientists to analyze vast amounts of data in a short time, enabling experiments that were previously unfeasible.”