Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 27 Jul 2026, 12:22 PM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia recorded more than 11.29 million Umrah performers between October and December 2025, according to new GASTAT figures, with international pilgrims slightly outnumbering domestic ones.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended 21 Umrah service companies after performance reviews found low service levels and regulatory violations ahead of the 1448 season.
Saudi Arabia's Nusuk app now offers a zero-data feature that lets Umrah pilgrims access permits, maps and emergency contacts without mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Under Saudi Arabia's expanded policy for the 1448 AH season, holders of tourist, business and transit visas can perform Umrah provided the visa is linked to Nusuk and a permit is issued through the app before entering Makkah.
Saudi Arabia has upgraded the mandatory Nusuk app with AI-driven crowd alerts, a green-to-red traffic-light capacity system at the Two Holy Mosques, and a smart digital pilgrim card for the 1448 AH Umrah season.
Saudi Arabia has shortened the Umrah visa entry window from three months to 30 days for the 1448 AH season, while keeping the 90-day in-country stay unchanged. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also confirmed the season's opening and closing dates.
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