Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 13 Sep 2026, 11:08 AM (Saudi time)
Qatar's Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs will open registration for the 2027 Hajj on September 20, with a national quota of 4,400 pilgrims and a mandatory health fitness certificate for applicants.
Saudi Arabia's 1448 Umrah season introduces a 30-day entry window, mandatory verified bookings and pre-arrival health checks before permits are issued.
Saudi Arabia's Nusuk platform has surpassed 51 million users and now offers zero-data access, a digital wallet and AI crowd tools for pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia has begun early coordination meetings with Hajj affairs offices from more than 75 countries to prepare for the 2027 pilgrimage season.
Iran has resumed Umrah travel to Saudi Arabia after a six-month suspension, sending 18,000 pilgrims in the first phase while around five million voucher holders remain on the waiting list.
Saudi authorities have advised Umrah pilgrims that the Grand Mosque is quietest from 10pm to 4am and 9am to 4pm, while the evening hours of 5pm to 9pm are busiest.
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