Saudi Arabia is turning to designers and inventors to solve one of the most practical problems pilgrims face under the desert sun. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a challenge inviting innovators to develop a better personal umbrella for pilgrims, according to Arab News. The initiative, opened in early August, seeks practical and scalable ideas that improve protection from the sun during Hajj and Umrah.
The umbrella is a familiar sight across Makkah and the holy sites. During the 2026 season, authorities repeatedly urged pilgrims to carry umbrellas as temperatures in and around Makkah climbed toward 47 degrees Celsius. A simple shade device can meaningfully lower the risk of heat exhaustion and sunstroke in open areas such as the plains of Arafah and the walkways between the holy sites.
What the challenge is looking for
The ministry has framed the contest around real-world use. It is seeking solutions that provide better protection from the sun, improve ease of use, and enhance safety in crowded areas where a poorly designed umbrella can obstruct others or become a hazard. A further goal is to establish a unified visual identity for umbrellas used during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, giving the sea of pilgrims a more organised and recognisable look.
The competition is open to innovators, designers, developers and specialised companies. Applicants may enter in one of several categories: an early-stage prototype, a near-complete innovation, or an existing product improved with new value. The ministry has set a demanding pace for those who qualify, requiring them to build and deliver a working prototype within two weeks of being notified.
Part of a wider push on pilgrim comfort
The umbrella contest sits within a broader Saudi effort to use innovation and technology to make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable. In recent seasons the authorities have expanded shaded and cooled walkways, deployed misting fans and cooling stations, and trialled heat-reflective road surfaces near key transport hubs. The Roads General Authority has applied cooling technology at sites along the Mashaaer Metro route to lower surface temperatures.
Heat remains the single biggest environmental risk of the summer pilgrimage. Many of the rituals take place outdoors during daylight, and pilgrims often walk long distances. A lightweight, effective and easy-to-carry umbrella is one of the cheapest and most immediate lines of defence, which is why the ministry is treating its design as worth a dedicated challenge.
By inviting outside talent rather than relying on a single supplier, the ministry hopes to gather a range of ideas and identify designs that can be produced at scale for millions of pilgrims. A standardised, high-quality umbrella could also be distributed or sold through official channels in future seasons.
Practical advice for pilgrims
Whatever the contest produces, the fundamentals of heat safety remain the same. Pilgrims travelling in the warmer months should carry a sturdy, light-coloured umbrella and use it whenever they are exposed to direct sun. They should drink water regularly, rest in shaded or air-conditioned areas when possible, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day.
Wearing loose, light clothing, using electrolyte supplements where appropriate, and watching for early signs of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, nausea and cramps can prevent a minor problem from becoming a medical emergency. Pilgrims should not hesitate to seek help at the many medical points stationed across the holy sites.