Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 Jun 2026, 2:20 AM (Saudi time)
The 1448 AH Umrah season has opened with the Nusuk app as the sole gateway for permits, now serving over 30 million users, alongside a stricter package-first booking model that ties visas to confirmed accommodation and transport.
Saudi Arabia's Holy Sites Metro carried more than two million passengers between Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah during Hajj 2026, supported by smart road management and Madinah shuttle services.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has approved 73 companies as qualified to serve domestic pilgrims, urging pilgrims to contract only through official channels.
Saudi Arabia has set June 30 to August 13, 2026 as the window for Hajj affairs offices and international service providers to reserve pilgrim accommodation in Makkah and Madinah for the 1448 AH season.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released a documentary on crowd engineering, detailing how the Kingdom moved more than 1.7 million pilgrims safely during Hajj 1447 AH.
After 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj 2026, Saudi agencies including Kidana, the Red Crescent and NUPCO began dismantling, inspecting and restoring the holy sites for next year.
Saudi Arabia Hajj Journal-News.com
Photos of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca Beloit Daily News
Photos of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca McAlester News-Capital
Photos of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca AP News
Saudi Arabia warns pilgrims of extreme heat ahead of 2026 Hajj MSN
Over 2,000 international journalists, delegates visit Hajj Media Hub in Makkah | Associated Press Of Pakistan