Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 May 2026, 5:56 PM (Saudi time)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has ordered full mobilisation of security and operational plans for Hajj 2026, with new electronic monitoring, 230+ surveillance cameras, and mandatory Nusuk smart cards.
Saudi authorities have completed 4,700 man-hours of maintenance on the Ka'bah and Maqam Ibrahim, including marble restoration and expansion joint replacement, ahead of Hajj 2026.
Saudi Arabia confirms Hajj 2026 will proceed as scheduled despite a fragile US-Iran ceasefire expiring as the first pilgrims arrive. Makkah and Madinah remain protected by advanced defence systems.
Saudi Arabia has made the Nusuk smart card mandatory for all Hajj 2026 pilgrims, combining personal, medical, and accommodation data. The Nusuk app has surpassed 51 million users with over 130 digital services.
The first international Hajj 2026 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Malaysia, with 3.1 million seats across 12,000 flights allocated for the season.
Saudi Arabia has revealed plans for a new Makkah international airport, a metro system with completed feasibility studies, an AI crowd management programme, and integrated Saudia-Saudi Railways ticketing as part of a large-scale infrastructure overhaul of the Holy City.
Makkah and Madinah’s Eid celebration is a melting pot of cultures Arab News
First Umrah: Nura and Maggie Meet in Madinah and Makkah About Islam
My Umrah: A supreme honour mixed with crushing sadness 5pillarsuk.com
When is Hajj 2026? Islamic Relief UK
On motorcycle ride to Makkah, Pakistani bikers explore ‘journey of light’ Arab News
Hajj Expo 2023 Kicks Off, Under the Patronage of Makkah Governor Business Wire