Over 5,000 recycled products have been created in the past year, with the initiative helping to create jobs for women from low-income households.

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Waste Management collects used ihrams from pilgrims across the holy sites, thereafter sorting and cleaning them. No materials enter into the process without passing a strict sterilisation process.

Sultan Al-Harthi, the centre’s spokesperson, has stated that the number of pilgrims voluntarily donating ihrams has risen each year. This is a sign of environmental awareness.

Additionally, the centre is developing a separate effort to turn surplus food collected from the holy sites into organic compost material.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk