Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 20 Jun 2026, 12:02 PM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a digital contracting service on the Masar Nusuk platform to automate agreements with external agents and service providers for the 1448 AH Umrah season.
Saudi Arabia is enforcing strict health eligibility rules for Hajj, barring pilgrims with serious chronic conditions and requiring proof that applicants can perform the rituals independently.
Saudi Arabia has begun building an 8.5 million square metre waste processing city south of Mecca, designed to meet the holy city's environmental needs and serve millions of pilgrims for up to 60 years.
Saudi Arabia's Heritage Commission has uncovered more than 1,700 artefacts at Miqat Al Juhfah, a historic station on the ancient Hajj route to Mecca, shedding light on early Islamic pilgrimage networks.
As the 1448 Umrah season opens, pilgrims face summer heat above 40C in Makkah. Sensible timing, hydration, and use of cooling infrastructure keep the rites safe.
India has opened the administrative cycle for Hajj 2027 after receiving Saudi preparation documents, with an advisory urging pilgrims to ready their passports ahead of registration.
Mahama commends National Hajj Board for successful 2026 pilgrimage Ghana News Agency
Muslim pilgrims perform Hajj rituals under intense heat as Eid al-Adha celebrations start WOWK 13 News
Hajj 1447H: 2026 NaTHNaC
GASTAT Releases Official Hajj 2026 Statistics: 1,707,301 Pilgrims - News and Statistics IndexBox
Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice Al Jazeera
Another Ghanaian pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia during Hajj Graphic Online