Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 May 2026, 5:56 PM (Saudi time)
Indonesia leads the world with a 221,000 Hajj quota for 2026, followed by Pakistan (180,000) and India (175,000). Nigeria's quota was cut 30% to 66,910 for underutilisation. Indonesia's average wait is 26.4 years.
With temperatures exceeding 45C, Hajj 2026 demands serious heat preparation. Saudi Arabia deploys 155,000-tonne cooling, 32,000 health workers, and smart wristbands, but pilgrims must hydrate, use umbrellas, and know heat stroke warning signs.
Pakistan launches 468-flight Hajj 2026 airlift for 119,000+ pilgrims from 8 cities. Road to Makkah initiative expands to Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, benefiting 95,000 pilgrims.
Hajj 2026 deploys unprecedented technology: mandatory Nusuk smart cards, GPS-enabled health-monitoring wristbands, AI crowd management, and a 51-million-user app with 130+ digital services.
Indonesia launches Hajj 2026 with 391 pilgrims in the first batch, deploying 548 flights to transport its 221,000-strong quota - the largest of any country. Average waiting time stands at 26.4 years.
33 stranded Bangladeshi Umrah pilgrims returned home after ministerial intervention, highlighting the importance of choosing licensed travel operators and maintaining proper documentation.
Military-trained Saudi women guards guide Umrah pilgrims in Makkah in Ramadan Arab News
Saudi Arabia: Vaccine required to enter Prophet’s Mosque, permit needed for Umrah Arab News
Saudi Arabia expands capacity, allows Umrah for vaccinated pilgrims in Ramadan Arab News
Kingdom resumes ticket sales for Makkah and Madinah high speed train arabnews.jp
I have seen many Jews came to Makkah and Madinah as businessmen Albalad.co
No COVID-19 cases reported among pilgrims in Saudi Arabia Arab News