Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 Jun 2026, 2:20 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia's 2027 Hajj timeline requires 1.5 doctors and 1.7 nurses per 1,000 pilgrims, mandatory Nusuk contracting with e-wallet payments, and operations through a single service provider.
Pilgrims from around 66 eligible countries can apply directly for an Umrah visa through Nusuk, while travellers elsewhere must use a licensed agent, with hotel booking now required before applying.
Saudi health authorities say the 2026 Hajj concluded with no epidemiological outbreaks and no major crowd accidents, crediting heat mitigation, AI-guided pathways, and a large medical deployment.
Saudi Arabia has restructured Hajj 2027 service packages into three tiers, scrapping the long-standing Package D and tying accommodation, transport, and catering into unified contracts.
A pure gold plaque that once crowned the gate of the Holy Kaaba more than three centuries ago is now on display at the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture in Makkah.
Saudi Arabia's Heritage Commission and the University of Exeter uncovered more than 1,700 artefacts at the historic Al Juhfah miqat, including kilns, a water channel and Umayyad and Abbasid-era tombstones.
Saudi Arabia warns pilgrims of extreme heat ahead of 2026 Hajj Tribune Online
Army Chief leaves for Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj United News of Bangladesh
Saudi Arabia Says Will Not Allow Practices That Deviate Hajj from its Objectives Asharq Al-Awsat English
Final batch of Kaduna pilgrims departs Madina for Makkah TheCable
Saudi Arabia reviews hajj security readiness ahead of 1447H season ANTARA News
Saudi Arabia reviews hajj security readiness ahead of 1447H season ANTARA News