Stay indoors during daytime, Hajj pilgrims told

Saudi authorities have asked pilgrims performing the Hajj to remain in their tents for several hours during the high point of this week's pilgrimage, citing high temperatures.

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According to a report in Saudi media, Hajj Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah has requested that pilgrims refrain from leaving their tents between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on Thursday.

The “Day of Arafat” traditionally marks the high point of the Hajj, when pilgrims scale Mount Arafat on the outskirts of Makkah.

There, pilgrims assemble on the 70-metre high hill and its surrounding plain for hours of prayer and Holy Quran recital, staying there until the evening.

There is little to no shade on Mount Arafat, leaving pilgrims directly exposed to the harsh desert sun for hours.