Pilgrims take a selfie after the symbolic stoning ritual during the Hajj in Mina, near Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah. AP
Pilgrims take a selfie after the symbolic stoning ritual during the Hajj in Mina, near Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah. AP
A woman pilgrim prays after the stoning ritual. AP
A woman pilgrim prays after the stoning ritual. AP
Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar representing the devil, one of several rituals that form part of the annual Hajj. Reuters
Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar representing the devil, one of several rituals that form part of the annual Hajj. Reuters
A pilgrim flings a stone at a pillar symbolising Satan. Reuters
A pilgrim flings a stone at a pillar symbolising Satan. Reuters
An official in Mina, near Makkah, directs a pilgrim during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
An official in Mina, near Makkah, directs a pilgrim during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Coronavirus hit the Hajj for a second year running. An event that annually attracts about 2. 5 million Muslims from around the world this year is unrecognisable in scale with strict health restrictions in place.
Coronavirus hit the Hajj for a second year running. An event that annually attracts about 2. 5 million Muslims from around the world this year is unrecognisable in scale with strict health restrictions in place.
Pilgrims at prayer after participating in the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims at prayer after participating in the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
A pilgrim during prayer after the stone-throwing ritual.
A pilgrim during prayer after the stone-throwing ritual.
Pilgrims cast stones in a ritual stoning of Satan during Hajj.
Pilgrims cast stones in a ritual stoning of Satan during Hajj.
Pilgrims pray after the stone-throwing ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims pray after the stone-throwing ritual in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
A Hajj pilgrim in Mina, near Makkah, casts a stone at a pillar representing Satan.
A Hajj pilgrim in Mina, near Makkah, casts a stone at a pillar representing Satan.
Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar symbolising Satan during the annual Hajj.
Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar symbolising Satan during the annual Hajj.
A pilgrim prays after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
A pilgrim prays after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
A worker distributes free water from the holy well of Zamzam to pilgrims.
A worker distributes free water from the holy well of Zamzam to pilgrims.
A Saudi policewoman, Samar, stands in front of the Kaaba.
A Saudi policewoman, Samar, stands in front of the Kaaba.
A pilgrim casts stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
A pilgrim casts stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims throw stones at pillars symbolising Satan during Hajj in Mina, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims throw stones at pillars symbolising Satan during Hajj in Mina, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims have their heads shaved on the second day of Eid Al Adha after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims have their heads shaved on the second day of Eid Al Adha after throwing stones at a pillar symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims, keeping social distancing and wearing protective masks, cast stones at pillars symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims, keeping social distancing and wearing protective masks, cast stones at pillars symbolising Satan.
Pilgrims pray on top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near Makkah.
Pilgrims pray on top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near Makkah.
Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat during Hajj.
Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat during Hajj.
A pilgrim prays in front of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the plain of Arafat, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
A pilgrim prays in front of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the plain of Arafat, near Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims gather around Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Al Rahma, or the Mountain of Mercy.
Pilgrims gather around Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Al Rahma, or the Mountain of Mercy.
Muslim pilgrims at Mount Arafat.
Muslim pilgrims at Mount Arafat.
Vaccinated pilgrims performing Hajj.
Vaccinated pilgrims performing Hajj.
Pilgrims shelter from the sun under an umbrella.
Pilgrims shelter from the sun under an umbrella.
Participants remained socially distanced and wore masks as the coronavirus took its toll on the Hajj for a second year running.
Participants remained socially distanced and wore masks as the coronavirus took its toll on the Hajj for a second year running.
Officials replace the covering cloth of the Kaaba.
Officials replace the covering cloth of the Kaaba.
Aerial view of the Mina area during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah.
Aerial view of the Mina area during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in the holy city of Makkah.
The Kaaba is covered with the Kiswa cloth.
The Kaaba is covered with the Kiswa cloth.
Another view of the Mina area.
Another view of the Mina area.
Pilgrims must be under 65 and without a chronic disease.
Pilgrims must be under 65 and without a chronic disease.
Rules for the 2021 Hajj allow for a maximum of 60,000 citizens and residents Saudi Arabia.
Rules for the 2021 Hajj allow for a maximum of 60,000 citizens and residents Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to be allowed entry.
Pilgrims must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to be allowed entry.
It is the second consecutive year that numbers at Hajj are limited due to pandemic.
It is the second consecutive year that numbers at Hajj are limited due to pandemic.
Muslim pilgrims, wearing protective face masks, circle the Kaaba.
Muslim pilgrims, wearing protective face masks, circle the Kaaba.
Coronavirus precautions are taken across the site.
Coronavirus precautions are taken across the site.
Pilgrims arrive at their tented camp in Mina, near the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrims arrive at their tented camp in Mina, near the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Time for prayer and reflection.
Time for prayer and reflection.
For some worshippers, this year’s Hajj is a strange experience because it has been scaled down to such an extent.
For some worshippers, this year’s Hajj is a strange experience because it has been scaled down to such an extent.
A pilgrim recites the Quran.
A pilgrim recites the Quran.
Saudi pilgrim Irak al Dofairy, 65, reads the Quran on his mobile phone at a camp in Mina.
Saudi pilgrim Irak al Dofairy, 65, reads the Quran on his mobile phone at a camp in Mina.
A pilgrim sits cross-legged.
A pilgrim sits cross-legged.
.Mina sits in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky mountains.
.Mina sits in a narrow valley surrounded by rocky mountains.
Visitors partake in the rituals of the great pilgrimage.
Visitors partake in the rituals of the great pilgrimage.
Walking around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
Walking around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
Back at the camp.
Back at the camp.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, started with only 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents allowed to take part this year because of the pandemic.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, started with only 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents allowed to take part this year because of the pandemic.
Pilgrims pour into Makkah for first Hajj rituals amid strict health measures.
Pilgrims pour into Makkah for first Hajj rituals amid strict health measures.
A pilgrim takes a selfie at the Grand Mosque as he wears a mask and stands on social distancing signs.
A pilgrim takes a selfie at the Grand Mosque as he wears a mask and stands on social distancing signs.
A total of 60,000 assembled in Mina on Sunday before moving to Arafat on Monday.
A total of 60,000 assembled in Mina on Sunday before moving to Arafat on Monday.
Muslim pilgrims pray in front of the Kaaba.
Muslim pilgrims pray in front of the Kaaba.
A robot sterilises an area of the Grand Mosque before Hajj.
A robot sterilises an area of the Grand Mosque before Hajj.
The pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.
The pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.
Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque.
Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque.
Workers disinfect the grounds.
Workers disinfect the grounds.
Muslim pilgrims walk around the cubic building of the Kaaba.
Muslim pilgrims walk around the cubic building of the Kaaba.
A Muslim pilgrim walks past a sign reminding Hajj participants of social distancing.
A Muslim pilgrim walks past a sign reminding Hajj participants of social distancing.
A pilgrims arrives to atend the Hajj season in Makkah.
A pilgrims arrives to atend the Hajj season in Makkah.
Hajj authorities have been disinfecting the Grand Mosque around the clock to ensure pilgrims' safety.
Hajj authorities have been disinfecting the Grand Mosque around the clock to ensure pilgrims' safety.
The pilgrimage remains a deeply personal experience for many, despite the downsizing for the second year running.
The pilgrimage remains a deeply personal experience for many, despite the downsizing for the second year running.
A person can perform Hajj on behalf of someone who has died or is unable to come to Makkah but only if they have already performed the pilgrimage for themselves.
A person can perform Hajj on behalf of someone who has died or is unable to come to Makkah but only if they have already performed the pilgrimage for themselves.
A man hands a bottle of water to a pilgrim at the Grand Mosque.
A man hands a bottle of water to a pilgrim at the Grand Mosque.
The annual ritual is an important part of Islam.
The annual ritual is an important part of Islam.
Pilgrims are dotted around the site.
Pilgrims are dotted around the site.
Saudi troops stand guard as the first pilgrims arrive at the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
Saudi troops stand guard as the first pilgrims arrive at the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque.
A person takes a video as pilgrims perform Tawaf, the rite of circumambulating the Kaaba.
A person takes a video as pilgrims perform Tawaf, the rite of circumambulating the Kaaba.
Pilgrims pray in the evening near the Kaaba.
Pilgrims pray in the evening near the Kaaba.
A Saudi security officer watches as pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba
A Saudi security officer watches as pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba

Gulf

Pilgrims reflect on a ‘magnificent’ Hajj

Technology and strict guidelines helped keep pilgrims safe from Covid-19 this year

Balquees Basalom
Mariam Nihal
Makkah

July 21, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Pilgrims celebrated the beginning of Eid Al Adha in Makkah on Wednesday as Saudi Arabia’s Hajj began winding down.

Worshippers wearing masks repeated the Jamarat stoning of the devil ritual, throwing pebbles at all three stone pillars, before spending the evening in their camps in Mina.

Those taking part told The National they felt elated at the opportunity to undertake this once-in-a-lifetime Hajj.

“Those who perform Hajj are believed to be like a new baby, all their mistakes are gone, and I'm feeling this. By every step of the rituals we do, I feel a part of me is getting purer. I feel gradually I'm being reborn,” Atheer Bahakim, 18, said.

Ms Bahakim said she had not known what to expect for her first Hajj, but so far, it was the journey of a lifetime.

The most significant moment was when people were walking together and saying the special prayer dedicated to Hajj, called talbiyah, she said.

“They were all saying 'labaik Allahuma labaik' together. It was so majestic. I got goosebumps from it.”

Ms Bahakim's mother, who is also performing Hajj this year, agreed this point was the most significant.

“I was tearing up when I heard the talbiyah. All these people are here for one purpose and asking the same God, all are here for this journey and all are saying the same words. It is really a magnificent scene.”

In down time between Hajj activities, pilgrims began to celebrate Eid Al Adha, buying gifts to take home for loved ones, such as prayer beads, personalised prayer mats, Qurans, prayer books and locally made jewellery as shops opened on the second day of the holiday.

Food is also a main attraction, with pilgrims queuing at the famous Al Baik chicken shop and enjoying coffee and cake in cafes.

“We see people here wishing to be with their families, but not everyone can. We are lucky to be here on this holy journey together, and we hope God accepts our Hajj,” pilgrim Shatha Al Haddah said.

The day spent at Arafat was the most meaningful for her.

“When we were in Arafat, it was like a dream. I couldn't believe we were actually there,” said the 36-year-old.

Her sister, Shahad Al Haddah, said that despite the challenging journey, all pilgrims are bearing with the heat and the hardship for the emotional blessing of performing the pilgrimage. “I also admired how despite all, these people are still smiling, praying and helping each other,” she said.

Keeping this year’s 60,000 pilgrims safe during the Covid-19 pandemic has been a complex logistical challenge that started with strict criteria on who was allowed to attend.

Only those who had been fully vaccinated with no underlying conditions and who already resided in the kingdom were accepted.

A number of technological methods were also put in place to aid social distancing, including smartcards.

The plastic cards are available in green, red, yellow and blue. The colours correspond to markings on the ground guiding pilgrims through the different stages of the Hajj.

The digital system also allows authorities to guide the tens of thousands who attend the annual event, which in years past has at times been marred by deadly stampedes and accidents.

Each card contains basic information about each pilgrim, including their registration number, exact location of their accommodation, mobile phone number and the ID number of their guide.

- Agencies contributed to this report

While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPowertrain%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle%20electric%20motor%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E201hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E310Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E53kWh%20lithium-ion%20battery%20pack%20(GS%20base%20model)%3B%2070kWh%20battery%20pack%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E350km%20(GS)%3B%20480km%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C900%20(GS)%3B%20Dh149%2C000%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-finals, second leg:

Liverpool (0) v Barcelona (3), Tuesday, 11pm UAE

Game is on BeIN Sports

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

How being social media savvy can improve your well being

Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.

As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.

Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.

Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.

Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.

However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.

“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.

People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.

Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989

Director: Goran Hugo Olsson

Rating: 5/5

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

The more serious side of specialty coffee

While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.

The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.

Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”

One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.

Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms. 

UAE gold medallists:

Omar Al Suweidi (46kg), Khaled Al Shehhi (50kg), Khalifa Humaid Al Kaabi (60kg), Omar Al Fadhli (62kg), Mohammed Ali Al Suweidi (66kg), Omar Ahmed Al Hosani (73), all in the U18’s, and Khalid Eskandar Al Blooshi (56kg) in the U21s.

Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Essentials

The flights

Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Geneva from Dh2,845 return, including taxes. The flight takes 6 hours. 

The package

Clinique La Prairie offers a variety of programmes. A six-night Master Detox costs from 14,900 Swiss francs (Dh57,655), including all food, accommodation and a set schedule of medical consultations and spa treatments.

 

 

Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

While you're here
SQUADS

South Africa:
JP Duminy (capt), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wkt), AB de Villiers, Robbie Frylinck, Beuran Hendricks, David Miller, Mangaliso Mosehle (wkt), Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi

Bangladesh
Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Imrul Kayes, Liton Das (wkt), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wkt), Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed

Fixtures
Oct 26: Bloemfontein
Oct 29: Potchefstroom

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

The biog

Age: 59

From: Giza Governorate, Egypt

Family: A daughter, two sons and wife

Favourite tree: Ghaf

Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense 

Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”

The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima


Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650

Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder

Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm

Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission

Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km

The%20specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E261hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400Nm%20at%201%2C750-4%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C999%20(VX%20Luxury)%3B%20from%20Dh149%2C999%20(VX%20Black%20Gold)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

Updated: July 21, 2021, 6:00 PM`
Hajj 2025Eid Al Adha 2025Saudi Arabia