Algerian pilgrim Sarahouda Stiti, whose arrival in Saudi for Hajj drew attention in 2024, has died, according to Algerian media reports. Her age has been reported as 132, based on her circulated birth year of 1894. Reports of her passing were already published on 15 October.
Her passing brings back memories of a special journey to Saudi, where a warm welcome awaited her as she arrived to fulfil a long-held wish.
In June 2024, Saudia shared her arrival from Algeria, describing her as the oldest Hajj pilgrim travelling on its flights and reporting her age as 130. The airline also shared footage of her reception at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, documenting a moment that became closely associated with her story.
According to Asharq Al-Awsat’s coverage at the time, Sarahouda travelled with her daughter on a Hajj trip gifted by Saudi authorities. She had previously performed Umrah twice, but performing Hajj was a dream she said she had held since she was 25.
The newspaper also recorded her gratitude towards her hosts: “May God protect Saudi Arabia, its land and its children,” she said, translated from Arabic.
As we remember Sarahouda, those moments offer a meaningful way to honour her: arriving for a pilgrimage she had long hoped to make, accompanied by her daughter and welcomed with warmth in Saudi.
loving.co
