JEDDAH: As millions of pilgrims gather in Makkah and the holy sites for Hajj, sun protection has become as essential as any other part of the spiritual journey.
With daytime temperatures often exceeding 40 C and long hours of outdoor movement, pilgrims are not only relying on traditional methods such as umbrellas and sunscreen but also are turning to cooling towels and a growing range of wearable heat-relief technologies that are widely available across Saudi Arabia’s retail and online markets.
The preparation of pilgrims includes umbrellas, which remain the most common sight, offering immediate shade but effective barrier against direct sunlight. However, traditional shade has been joined by more advanced designs, as pilgrims increasingly look for innovative solutions to beat the heat. Retailers such as SACO have also expanded into this category, offering a range of cooling products alongside traditional sun protection tools.
Among the most in-demand items are cooling umbrellas equipped with integrated fan and water spray systems, along with umbrella hats that offer UPF 50+ UV protection, hands-free coverage and collapsible adjustable straps for ease of use.
“These umbrellas are built as multi-functional heat-reduction tools designed specifically for extreme outdoor conditions,” said Mohammed Ali, branch manager at SACO in Jeddah, adding: “We are seeing strong demand from pilgrims for lighter umbrellas and products that help with cooling. The focus this season has clearly shifted towards more practical, lightweight options, and they are selling very quickly.”
Alongside shade tools, cooling wearables are increasingly becoming part of pilgrims’ personal kits. Products such as BUFF CoolNet UV+ multifunctional headwear, available through Virgin Megastore Saudi Arabia and online platforms including Amazon.sa, are designed to provide UPF 50+ sun protection while also offering moisture-wicking and cooling fabric technology.
Hamed Soufi, who will be performing Hajj this year, said: “Walking is mostly required during the stoning ritual in Mina, and heat stress usually happens at that time. This multi-use neckwear can be worn as a head wrap or face covering, making it suitable for long hours under the sun. It helps provide protection and cooling, especially after shaving the head, reducing heat exposure and lowering the risk of sunstroke.”
Similarly, Mission cooling bucket hats available on Noon.com, which use water-activated evaporative technology, have gained popularity among pilgrims seeking lightweight and breathable protection. Once soaked and worn, the fabric cools the head through evaporation, offering relief during prolonged exposure.
A pilgrim from India, Shahnawaz Ahmed, said such products have changed the way he manages the heat during rituals. “The cooling hat makes a real difference when there is no shade. I have come for Umrah before, and I have used this and now for Hajj I am planning to use it again. It feels lighter on the head and helps me continue walking without feeling overwhelmed by the sun.”
Cooling towels have also become one of the most widely used heat-relief items available at different stores and online retailers, which operates on a simple principle: wet, wring and snap to activate an evaporative cooling effect that can lower skin temperature significantly for short periods. Lightweight and reusable, they are now commonly seen in pilgrims’ bags and around their necks during peak movement hours.
Farah Khaled, store in-charge at MINISO, said: “These are among our fast-selling, affordable products that people tend to buy during the Hajj season. The cooling towel is something everyone can carry. When the heat becomes too much, it provides instant relief.”
Beyond portable accessories, more advanced heat-protection systems are also entering the market. Phase-change cooling vests, such as the HyperCool series, are designed to regulate body temperature using specialised cooling packs that maintain a controlled temperature range. These vests can provide several hours of consistent cooling and are increasingly used in environments involving prolonged heat exposure.
Industrial-grade solutions are also being adapted for wider use. FR cooling vests, designed originally for construction environments, use evaporative cooling without electricity and are now being adopted by some pilgrims seeking enhanced heat protection. Similarly, evaporative cooling vests that rely solely on water evaporation are gaining popularity due to their simplicity, affordability and suitability for prolonged outdoor use. These products are widely available online through platforms such as Amazon, Noon and Desertcart.
In addition, pharmacies and convenience stores across Makkah and Madinah have increased stocks of sunscreen, cooling wipes and hydration-focused products during the Hajj season.
Cooling tissues and wipes, often sold under different brands in Saudi markets, have become another common item, offering instant refreshment through menthol-based formulations. These are widely available in pharmacies such as Nahdi and Al-Dawaa, as well as in pre-packed Hajj kits sold across retail outlets.
All these innovations aim to combine airflow, moisture control and thermal regulation without reliance on bulky systems or power sources.
Pilgrim Dr. Eiman Zayed from Egypt said: “You cannot avoid the heat during Hajj, but you can prepare for it. With a wide range of products now available in stores and online, the experience becomes more manageable. Sun protection is no longer limited to basic shade and sunscreen, but has evolved into modern technology.”
