Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 May 2026, 1:23 PM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia has invested 6 billion SAR over four years to transform Hajj infrastructure: 7,800 bathrooms cutting waits by 75%, 200% more hospital capacity, 60,000 trees, and 400 misting fans at the Jamarat.
Saudi Arabia has installed laser lights and 1,110 solar-powered ground markers along the Makkah-Madinah highway for Hajj 2026 to combat driver fatigue. Translated from Arabic sources.
Saudi Arabia has deployed 22,000 municipal workers, 33,000 buses, mobile labs, and the world's largest road survey fleet for Hajj 2026, alongside a first-ever cybersecurity drill protecting digital infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia has deployed portable passport processing devices at all entry ports for Hajj 2026, allowing officers to process pilgrims at their location rather than requiring them to queue at fixed desks.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway carried 2 million passengers in Q1 2026 as Saudi Arabia scales up rail operations for Hajj season, offering pilgrims a 2-hour journey between Makkah and Madinah.
Saudi Arabia implements Green Hajj 2026 initiatives: recycling 50 tonnes of Ihram garments, converting food waste to fertiliser, processing 12,000 tonnes of slaughterhouse waste, and deploying animal health safeguards.
Saudi completes phase two of Mount Arafat shading, cooling project madhyamamonline.com
Saudi team works round the clock to speed up procedures for Bangladeshi pilgrims daily-sun.com
Saudi team works round the clock to speed up procedures for Bangladeshi pilgrims daily-sun.com
1,134 Plateau Muslim pilgrims depart for Saudi Arabia Punch Newspapers
First batch of 480 intending Jigawa pilgrims airlifted to Saudi Arabia The Guardian Nigeria News
345 Ogun Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia Independent Newspaper Nigeria