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Reuters
27-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
OPEC+ set to make another accelerated oil output hike for August, sources say
LONDON/MOSCOW/DUBAI, June 27 (Reuters) - The world's largest group of oil producers, OPEC+, is set to make another big increase of 411,000 barrels per day for August as it looks to regain market share, four delegates from the group told Reuters. OPEC and authorities in Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday.
Khaleej Times
15-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE-Syria flight diverted to Saudi mid-way amid Israel-Iran conflict
A passenger plane that took off from Sharjah on its way to Damascus was diverted mid-way towards Saudi Arabia and landed safely, Syrian Airlines said on Sunday. This comes as the heightened conflict between Iran and Israel entered its third day, with the two arch foes exchanging attacks and deadly strikes. Iran has launched fresh attacks on Israel on Sunday with ballistic missiles, state media said, as sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The Syrian airline took to X to confirm that flight RB 502 was allowed to land in Saudi Tabuk airport after changing its route on Saturday, "due to ongoing tensions in the region". All passengers and crew are safe, it added while thanking Saudi authorities for their cooperation and for allowing the passengers to leave the airport and stay at a hotel in Tabuk. The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has disrupted flight operations in the region and caused route chaos worldwide. UAE airlines were forced to extend flight cancellations on Sunday due to the tensions. Airports in the UAE also advised travellers to check the status of their flights with the airline, as airspace has been closed by some countries.
Arab News
08-06-2025
- Arab News
Hajj pilgrims embrace second day of Tashreeq with ‘fantastic' experience ahead of departure
MINA: Most of the more than 1.6 million pilgrims taking part in this year's Hajj have completed the second day of Tashreeq — a spiritually significant stage marked by the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina on Sunday. As their sacred journey draws to a close, many are preparing to return home, with their hearts filled with gratitude and peace after completing their pilgrimage. June 8, which corresponds to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah on the Islamic calendar and marks the second of the three Tashreeq Days, witnessed a steady stream of pilgrims performing the stoning ritual at the Jamarat complex in Mina. Under the coordination of Saudi authorities, the movement unfolded smoothly, supported by comprehensive security, health and logistical services. Following the stoning ritual, many pilgrims made their way to the Grand Mosque in Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Wadaa, or the farewell circumambulation — the final rite of Hajj. This act signifies the conclusion of the pilgrimage, after which pilgrims begin their journeys back to their home countries. In Islamic jurisprudence, pilgrims who complete the Hajj rites by the second day of Tashreeq are said to have performed Ta'ajul, or hastened Hajj. This option, permissible under Islamic Shariah, allows pilgrims to depart Mina after completing the stoning ritual on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. Those who remain in Mina until sunset are obligated to stay for a third day and do the stoning ritual once more on the 13th, marking the full completion of the pilgrimage rites. PHOTO GALLERY: Hajj 2025: Pilgrims complete second day of Tashreeq The temperature recorded in Mina at 11 a.m. was 41 degrees Celsius, with expectations of a rise to 45 degrees Celsius before a predicted 31 degrees Celsius later in the day, according to the National Meteorology Center. Speaking to Arab News, Sayed Taqi, an Afghan pilgrim on his first pilgrimage, said that he had a 'very good' experience for Hajj. 'The security people were helpful, and, honestly, I am very happy. I will be ending my rituals today by noon, as I have a flight tomorrow,' Taqi said. Mohsin Rasul, a pilgrim from Bangalore, India, who was completing his rituals, said: 'The overall experience was very nice and quite peaceful, there was not much rushing with the arrangements by the authorities, and there wasn't any problem anywhere, whether in the Grand Mosque, Madinah, Mina or Arafat.' He added: 'Everywhere, the arrangement was fantastic, in fact.' Maqsari Hasni from Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria, said that he could not describe the feeling of being in the holy sites to perform Hajj. He also spoke with a voice filled with gratitude and appreciation: 'I thank the Saudi government very … very much. It has done its duty perfectly, and we are truly proud of you. May Allah bless and protect you.' Azhar Al-Wishah, an Iraqi pilgrim who lives in Canada, said that he and his group performed a smooth and comfortable hajj. Describing the services provided to the group, he said: 'We have really found a truly great service from the security people and all those working here. They have supplied all the services. We would like to thank the government and the people for your good reception and generous hospitality.' He hoped that peace and security would continue in Saudi Arabia and for its people, 'who humbled us with their generosity and who were competing eagerly to serve the pilgrims.' Al-Wishah added: 'May God watch over this country and keep it safe until the Day of Judgment.' Fatima, a 28-year-old Iranian pilgrim, told Arab News that she took part in a unique experience — witnessing people from all around the world coming together to perform the same rituals, just as Prophet Ibrahim did thousands of years ago. She added that it was remarkable to see individuals of different ages, colors and nationalities united in one place. Describing the crowd management during Hajj, she said: 'I think it is very difficult to manage, but overall, it was very well organized.' According to the Ministry of Health, more than 147,000 medical services had been provided as of June 7. In a post on its X account, the ministry reported that during this year's Hajj, 18 open-heart surgeries were performed, while 248 cardiac catheterization procedures were carried out. The ministry added that 2,626 pilgrims were referred to its intensive care units, and outpatient clinics treated more than 7,540 pilgrims. Moreover, 5,619 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, while 35,176 patients received care at emergency rooms in Makkah. The post added that 80,603 pilgrims received medical assistance at the ministry's various medical centers.
Associated Press
05-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Avoid new shoes and look after your mental health. How to be well at the Hajj
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to do it. It is a spiritual highlight for those fortunate enough to go, but it is also grueling and stressful. Pilgrims conduct their rituals outdoors, among huge crowds, walking up to 25 kilometers (15 miles) a day. There is often no privacy or personal space. Languages, routines and surroundings can feel unfamiliar, and the emotional impact of doing the Hajj can also take its toll. Here are some ways to be well at the Hajj. Preparation, preparation, preparation Pilgrims work on their spiritual readiness to undertake the Hajj, but equally important is their physical preparation. Saudi authorities have published a 45-page safety kit in eight languages. It encourages people to do aerobic exercises for 30 minutes daily and to 'make movement activities' like using the stairs instead of the elevator, before they travel to Saudi Arabia. There's a lot of walking at the Hajj, even when pilgrims are not performing rituals. Too much traffic, or not enough transport, means people end up walking up to 25 kilometers (15 miles) every day. All the rituals are on foot. High temperatures, adrenaline, and physical exertion will elevate the heart rate. If pilgrims are not used to working out, they should have at least prepared their bodies for the long periods that will be spent outdoors and upright, as going from an inactive or sedentary lifestyle straight to the Hajj will be a shock to the system. Keep cool and carry or wear a UV umbrella This year, temperatures at the Hajj are expected to reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). The body's resting core temperature is typically about 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), just 4 degrees Celsius (7 degrees Fahrenheit) away from catastrophe in the form of heatstroke. The bigger killer in the heat is the strain on the heart, especially for people who have cardiovascular disease. Blood rushes to the skin to help shed core heat, causing blood pressure to drop. The heart responds by trying to pump more blood to keep someone from passing out. Avoid going out during the day unless necessary. Seek shade and rest often, despite the temptation to go at top speed. The Hajj is a marathon not a sprint. White or pale-colored clothing and UV umbrellas reflect the sunlight, meaning your body and clothing won't get as hot. Oral rehydration sachets can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating and physical exertion. There are also hands-free 'Hajj' umbrellas that are worn on the head, allowing pilgrims to pray and carry out their rituals unencumbered. Put your best foot forward with comfy shoes Avoid new shoes, says Dr. Hina Shahid, the London-based chair of the Muslim Doctors Association. 'If you have new shoes, break them in beforehand. Make sure your footwear is comfortable. You don't want to get blisters.' Well-fitting sandals or sliders are fine for Mecca, which has well-paved roads and sidewalks. It is common to see Muslims streaming into the city by foot. There is smooth tiling on the outer courtyard of the Grand Mosque that is washed by an army of cleaners at regular intervals. But pilgrims go barefoot when circling the Kaaba, where the marble flooring is cool to the skin whatever the weather. But the terrain changes in Muzdalifah, where people collect pebbles to use in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil. They also spend the night in the open air so it's better to wear a sturdier, closed-toe shoe and also at Mount Arafat, where people clamber over rocks to reach the hill's 70-meter-high (230 feet) summit to spend hours in prayer. Adopt pandemic-style personal hygiene Cough? Runny nose? Sore throat? Fever? That's 'Hajj flu,' a nickname for the respiratory infection that people develop during the crowded conditions of the pilgrimage. It's common to see people wearing face masks during the Hajj, even though face coverings are not a religious requirement, because they are in close proximity to each other, making droplet infections inevitable. Pilgrims are exposed to new germs, new environments and new routines. These are tough on the immune system when combined. To minimize the chances of developing the Hajj flu or giving it to others, pilgrims should wash their hands well, especially before eating and after sneezing, coughing or using the bathroom. Coughing or sneezing into the arm or elbow can help prevent the spread of germs when a tissue isn't available. It's worth sanitizing frequently touched objects and surfaces in the camps at Mina and opening windows for ventilation. It's important to stay on top of mandatory and recommended vaccinations before traveling to Saudi Arabia. Take care of your mental health at the Hajj The Hajj can be daunting because of its scale, religious significance, practical difficulties, the expense, the physical exertion and the pressure to get it right. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the core beliefs and acts of worship that Muslims must practice. It can feel tough to fulfill this obligation when you're away from home comforts. Not following your normal routine, sleep deprivation, vast cultural and linguistic differences, and being surrounded by upward of 1.5 million strangers add to the challenges. You can't even wear your regular clothes. These factors can rattle your calm, kindness and patience. Prioritizing your health, and resting whenever needed, can alleviate some of the stress. Focusing on what you are doing, rather than comparing yourself to others, can also relieve the pressure. Being grateful for the opportunity to be at the Hajj will help remind you why you are there. Talking to friends and family back home will ground you. Hajj is about endurance, humility, mindfulness and struggle. A willingness to let go of negative emotions. It's a test of your spiritual connection with God, even when everything around you is testing that connection. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
The National
04-06-2025
- Health
- The National
Hajj pilgrims advised to avoid peak heat hours on Day of Arafat
Saudi Arabia 's Minister for the Hajj has told pilgrims to stay in their tents between 10am and 4pm on Thursday, warning of heat exhaustion when thousands scale a sacred hill on the outskirts of Makkah for the Day of Arafat. Temperatures are hovering around 40°C as more than a million people converge on the holy city for the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia has increased efforts to ensure a safe event in the summer heat. Strict penalties have been enforced against illegal visitors to Makkah to prevent overcrowding. Hajj Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah warned worshippers to use the transport provided to Mount Arafat rather than walking, according to the official Saudi Press Agency. He said random trips on foot "pose a significant threat to the flow of crowds and the safety of pilgrims". The Day of Arafat traditionally marks the high point of the Hajj, when pilgrims assemble on the hill and its surrounding plain for hours of prayer and Quran recital. Mount Arafat is where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final sermon. There is little to no shade on the 70-metre-high hill, leaving pilgrims exposed to the desert sun. Saudi authorities said last year that 1,300 people died during the Hajj as temperatures reached 50°C. Many of the dead were unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to air-conditioned tents and buses. This year more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials have been mobilised to ensure safety. Saudi Arabia 's Interior Ministry has warned that anyone attempting to perform the pilgrimage without a permit will face a fine of up to 20,000 riyals ($5,300). Those helping illegal pilgrims to travel to Makkah face even higher fines. Foreigners who breach the rules could be barred from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years. Artificial intelligence is also being used by authorities to monitor data and video, with a new fleet of drones in the skies above Makkah to help manage the crowds. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is mandatory for Muslims able to do so to perform the pilgrimage once in their lives. As of Sunday, more than 1.4 million pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year's rituals, officials said. On Wednesday, robed pilgrims will perform the tawaf - walking seven times around the Kaaba, the black cubic structure at the centre of Makkah's Grand Mosque that is Islam's holiest site. Before entering Makkah, pilgrims must first enter a state of purity, called ihram, which requires special dress and behaviour. Men wear a seamless shroud-like white garment that emphasises unity among believers, regardless of their social status or nationality. Women wear loose dresses, also white, exposing just their face and hands. For many Muslims, completing the Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "I am so happy, it's such an amazing feeling," Reem Al Shogre, a 35-year-old Saudi national performing the pilgrimage for the first time, told AFP.
