Arab News has the Hajj pilgrims covered

There are more than 2 million pilgrims attending Hajj. (Arab News/Huda Bashatah)

Pilgrims can be seen at all parts of the Hajj journey sheltering from the sun. (Arab News/Huda Bashatah)

It's unlikely to rain during the pilgrimage - but at least they are prepared. (Arab News/Huda Bashatah)

Direct sunlight at this time of year in the Kingdom is best avoided. (Arab News/Huda Bashatah)

Most of the pilgrimage is spent outdoors. (Arab News/Huda Bashatah)

The umbrellas came in useful later on Saturday afternoon when the skies opened and a rain storm began. (Arab News/Huda Bashatah)

Arab News was happy to help. (Arab News/Huda Bashatah)

• The umbrellas were there largely to shelter from the sun - but it rained on Saturday so umbrellas were good then too
• It is important to shade from the sun and Arab News was happy to help

ARAFAT: Arab News has been helping keep some of the 2.5 million pilgrims attending Hajj protected from the unrelenting sun.

Teams of volunteers have been handing out free umbrellas to passing pilgrims so they can shelter as the sun beats down on them during their spiritual journey.

And the umbrellas came in extra handy on Saturday as the sky filled with large clouds and spilled out with a torrential downpour.

#Hajj pilgrims rushed for cover from the heavy rain, while many offered prayers and others came to the aid of those who needed help and offered clothes to shelter from the downpour https://t.co/08D4qWMEJ4 pic.twitter.com/gc7hutUdHN

— Arab News (@arabnews) August 10, 2019

There are people stationed along the route to Mount Arafat handing out water and light snacks as the pilgrims pass by.

And Jabal Al-Rahmah hospital is just meters away from the mountain in case the heat of the midday sun became too hot to handle.