Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 20 Jun 2026, 12:02 PM (Saudi time)
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's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the Masar Nusuk digital service to automate Umrah contracting for the 1448 AH season, using unified electronic contracts with QR-code verification.
Saudi Arabia is building an 8.5 million square metre Waste Processing City south of Mecca, set for completion by end of 2027 and designed to serve the holy city for up to 60 years.
Saudi Arabia built its largest-ever cooling infrastructure for Hajj 2026, expanding shaded areas at Arafat fivefold; research links the decade-long programme to a 74.6% drop in heat-stroke cases.
Saudi Arabia's statistics authority confirmed 1,707,301 pilgrims performed Hajj 2026, up from 1.67 million in 2025, with international arrivals making up the vast majority.
Madinah's Prophet's Mosque has welcomed post-Hajj pilgrims with an integrated service system featuring crowd management, multilingual guidance, Rawdah flow control and round-the-clock care.
More than 1.5m Muslim pilgrims begin hajj as Iran peace deal hangs in the balance Euronews.com
Iranians find ‘peace and safety’ in Mecca during hajj Digital Journal
The Hajj begins amid extreme heat in Mecca: Saudi Arabia deploys thousands of medical staff following last year’s tragedy Atalayar
How Hajj is driving a food and beverage boom in Saudi Arabia The New Arab
Pilgrims kick off Hajj as Iran war's future uncertain The New Arab
Day of Arafah 2026 in India: Date, Significance & Hajj Return Travel Guide Wego Travel Blog