How Saudi Arabia Resets the Holy Sites After Hajj 2026
After 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj 2026, Saudi agencies including Kidana, the Red Crescent and NUPCO began dismantling, inspecting and restoring the holy sites for next year.
Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 13 Jun 2026, 12:11 PM (Saudi time)
After 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj 2026, Saudi agencies including Kidana, the Red Crescent and NUPCO began dismantling, inspecting and restoring the holy sites for next year.
Pakistan has advised prospective pilgrims to obtain passports now, saying Hajj 2027 bookings could close within two months as Saudi Arabia begins early preparations for next year's season.
Saudi Arabia's KACST and Public Security have launched the AI-powered Roya platform to monitor crowd density, heat, and security across the holy sites during Hajj and Umrah.
Saudi Arabia's National Center for Environmental Compliance reported a 145 percent rise in Hajj inspections in 2026, using satellite imagery and AI to monitor air, noise and waste across the holy sites.
Indonesia has begun planning its 2027 Hajj operation and reviewing 2028, with rising aviation fuel prices driving an early search for cost-control measures in the world's largest Hajj-sending country.
Saudi Arabia has issued its Hajj 2027 Preparation Document, with the pilgrimage expected in mid-May 2027, prompting national Hajj bodies including the Haj Committee of India to advise pilgrims to ready their passports.
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Muslim pilgrims gather outside Nimrah Mosque at the Plain of Arafat, outside the holy city of Mecca Reuters
Journey to Mecca: Millions gather for annual hajj pilgrimage Reuters
Saudi Arabia opens visa applications for new Umrah season Arab News
Kano Introduces Daily Shuttle for Hajj Pilgrims in Makkah Punch Newspapers
NAHCON Commends Stakeholders For Hitch-free 2026 Hajj Operations News Agency of Nigeria