'Heat of hell': Saudi sun challenges haj pilgrims

'Heat of hell': Saudi sun challenges haj pilgrims

MECCA: Mobile phones are overheating and the pavement feels like a frying pan but for Abdul al-Assad, intense desert heat is all part of the haj pilgrimage in summertime Saudi Arabia. Even with temperatures h

'Heat of hell': Saudi sun challenges hajj pilgrims

Mobile phones are overheating and the pavement feels like a frying pan but for Abdul al-Assad, intense desert heat is all part of the hajj pilgrimage in summertime Saudi Arabia.Even with temperatures hitting 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit), the 48-year-old Briton said the hardship only heightened his experience."If it was easy, it would be too easy," said Assad, a real estate agent, in Mecca, Islam's holiest city.

'Heat of hell': Saudi sun challenges hajj pilgrims

Mobile phones are overheating and the pavement feels like a frying pan but for Abdul al-Assad, intense desert heat is all part of the hajj pilgrimage in summertime Saudi Arabia.