Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 13 Sep 2026, 11:08 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia's Public Security has reiterated that Hajj and Umrah firms face fines of up to SR100,000, rising with the number of cases, for failing to report pilgrims who overstay their authorised period in the Kingdom.
King Salman is hosting 1,000 Umrah performers at his own expense this year. The second group of 250 pilgrims from 23 European and Asian countries has completed Umrah and praised Saudi hospitality.
Madinah's Prophet's Mosque has launched a digital platform featuring an interactive map with 950-plus service points, live crowd tracking and real-time prayer-area updates to help visitors plan ahead during the 1448 AH Umrah season.
Madinah officials reviewed operational readiness for the 1448 Umrah season while the Prophet's Mosque expanded digital services including real-time prayer-area monitoring, smart maps, and multilingual sermon translation.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism has approved updated licensing, classification and inspection rules for pilgrim accommodation in Makkah and Madinah ahead of the 2027 Hajj season.
Saudi Public Security has warned that Hajj and Umrah companies face fines of up to SR100,000 for failing to report pilgrims who overstay, with the penalty rising for each unreported case.