Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 14 Sep 2026, 10:34 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia suspended 21 Umrah companies on 14 July 2026 after inspections found regulatory violations and poor service, reinforcing its push for stricter oversight ahead of the new Umrah season.
Egypt approved new Umrah regulations for the 1448 season on 16 July 2026, making the Rafeeq monitoring app mandatory for pilgrims and imposing tighter controls on tour operators, advertising and transport.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has enabled the Nusuk app to work without mobile data, in partnership with stc, Mobily, and Zain, keeping permits, tickets, and navigation available to pilgrims even offline.
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais has launched a Field Services Center at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah to improve services for visitors during the 1448 AH Umrah and visitation season, strengthening coordination among agencies and field response.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has published the 1448 AH Umrah season calendar, setting March 9 as the visa issuance deadline, March 23 as the final entry date and April 7 as the departure deadline for 2027.
Saudi Arabia will fold a compulsory Nusuk meal voucher into the Umrah visa fee, charging 20 riyals per day, with an initial rollout in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Egypt.
UMRAH VLOG | WE TOOK 20 BROTHERS TO MAKKAH & MADINAH 🕋 France (tLByvgRpYW) Mshale
Rakhi Sawant Prays for Nepal Flood Victims During Umrah INDToday
Makkah organizes tour to help global operators diversify Umrah packages PressReader
Makkah Royal Commission Hosts Introductory Tour for Umrah Companies, International Agents وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Makkah hosts tour to help global operators diversify Umrah packages Arab News
Makkah hosts tour to help global operators diversify Umrah packages Arab News