Health & Safety

Heat and hydration

• Drink water regularly — sip throughout the day rather than waiting until you are thirsty. Zamzam is available throughout the Haram.
• Use an umbrella, hat (when not in Ihram) and sunscreen, and seek shade during the hottest hours.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion — dizziness, headache, nausea — and rest in a cool place if they appear.

Footwear and feet

• Wear comfortable, well broken-in footwear; carry a small bag for your shoes in the masjid.
• Treat blisters early and keep your feet dry.

Rest and pacing

• Pace yourself. It is better to do less, consistently, than to exhaust yourself in a day.
• Sleep when you can, especially before long rituals such as Tawaf and Sa‘i.

Crowds and safety

• Move with the flow of the crowd and avoid pushing; choose less busy times and levels where possible.
• Agree a meeting point with your group and keep a charged phone and a card with your hotel details.
• Keep valuables secure and be mindful in dense areas.

Food, water and medicine

• Eat light, balanced meals and be careful with food that may not suit you.
• Bring any regular medication in its original packaging with a prescription.
• Know where the nearest medical point is; the Haram has on-site clinics.

Travelling with children and the elderly

• Keep children close and consider a wristband with a contact number.
• Plan frequent rests for older pilgrims and those with health conditions.
• Use wheelchairs and the lifts where needed — there is no shame in making worship easier.

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