Staying Safe & Healthy in Saudi Arabia: Heat, Crowds & Emergencies

Saudi Arabia is a very safe country for visitors, but the heat and the crowds at the holy sites are real health factors worth preparing for. A few simple precautions keep you well through even the busiest days. Here is how to stay safe and healthy. In an emergency, know the numbers below.

Beating the heat

Summers are extreme, and even other seasons are warm, so heat is the most common health issue for pilgrims. To avoid heat exhaustion:

• Hydrate constantly — carry water (Zamzam is everywhere) and drink before you feel thirsty.
• Avoid the midday sun; do outdoor rites and Ziyārat early or late.
• Use an umbrella or cap for shade (not on the head in ihram for men) and sunscreen.
• Watch for dizziness, cramps or nausea — rest in shade, cool down and rehydrate at the first sign.

Handling crowds

• At peak times, avoid the densest crush — use the upper levels for ṭawāf and saʿy.
• Never push; move with the flow and keep children close.
• Agree a meeting point and gate in case you're separated, and note it where children can repeat it.
• Keep valuables secure and your hands free.

Emergency numbers

Saudi Arabia uses a unified emergency number 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province (and expanding elsewhere), plus: 999 police, 997 ambulance (Red Crescent), and 998 civil defense/fire. Save these on your phone, and keep your hotel address in Arabic to give to responders or a driver.

Health precautions

• Carry personal medication with prescriptions and a small first-aid kit.
• Have the required meningitis (ACWY) vaccine — see entry requirements.
• Consider a face mask in crowds and wash hands often, as respiratory bugs spread in dense gatherings.
• Look after elderly travellers especially — see Umrah with family.
• Rest between rites; exhaustion makes both heat and crowds harder to handle.

Prepared and hydrated, you can worship safely through the busiest days. Consider travel insurance for added peace of mind. Emergency numbers current July 2026.