Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 Jun 2026, 2:20 AM (Saudi time)
With Hajj 2026 over, Saudi authorities have launched a vast operation to dismantle temporary facilities, inspect infrastructure, and prepare Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah for the next pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia's Makkah Route Initiative concluded its 1447 AH operations after pre-clearing 388,694 pilgrims from 10 countries, adding Senegal and Brunei for the first time.
Saudi authorities upgraded the Grand Mosque's Zamzam water system for the 1447 AH Hajj season, distributing more than 2.1 million cups daily through 169 fountains backed by 70 daily quality tests.
Makkah developer Umm Al Qura has launched a 2026-2030 strategy to become a multi-city development platform and secured a 1.2 million square metre site to be built as Masar Gardens.
Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs will open mandatory registration for Hajj 2027 later this month, urging pilgrims to ensure passports are valid until 16 November 2027.
Indonesia has started planning its 2027 and 2028 Hajj operations early to offset rising aviation fuel prices, which feed directly into the flight costs borne by pilgrims.
How Saudi Arabia is using AI to transform the Hajj experience Al Arabiya English
How Saudi Arabia is using AI to transform the Hajj experience Al Arabiya English
Photos of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca Chron
Grand Mosque launches smart navigation system to ease pilgrim movement Gulf News
Saudi Arabia mobilizes massive Hajj security operation as pilgrim arrivals exceed 1.5 million Gulf News
SFDA chief reviews Makkah facilities ahead of Hajj 1447 AH | Associated Press Of Pakistan