How do I avoid heat illness in Makkah and Madinah?

What the Ministry of Health advises

• Avoid direct sun while performing rituals, especially if you're older.
• Drink enough fluids.
• Medicines that can worsen dehydration or affect heat (for example diuretics) may need adjusting by your treating doctor — ask before you travel.

Practical habits

• Do tawaf and sa'i in the early morning or at night in hot months.
• Use an umbrella and light-coloured, loose clothing outside.
• Drink Zamzam or water regularly, not only when thirsty; eat salty snacks if sweating a lot.
• Rest in the hotel at midday.

Warning signs — get help quickly

• Headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea or vomiting.
• Hot, dry skin or heavy sweating with weakness.
• Fainting or not making sense.

Move the person to shade or air-conditioning, give water if they're alert, and call for medical help.

This is general information, not medical advice.