Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 16 Sep 2026, 10:23 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi air defenses intercepted a Houthi drone south of Makkah on September 15, prompting a rare security alert in the holy city that was quickly lifted. Officials called pilgrim safety a 'red line' as worship at the Grand Mosque continued.
The US State Department has urged citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia after a rise in missile and drone attacks near Makkah. Umrah remains open, and pilgrims are advised to check official guidance and book through licensed operators.
Saudi Arabia's official Nusuk app has added spiritual, navigation and health tools plus a zero-data offline mode, and now serves pilgrims from more than 100 countries with over 120 services.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has received the national AI ethics badge from SDAIA for its Nusuk AI service, as it expands artificial intelligence in crowd management, forecasting and pilgrim guidance.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah now requires a verified medical fitness certificate, processed through the Nusuk Masar platform, before any Hajj 2027 visa can be issued.
Nigeria's National Hajj Commission has fixed 2027 Hajj fares between N7.56 million and N7.88 million and reaffirmed 26 September as the deadline for intending pilgrims to register and submit biometric data.
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