Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 22 Jun 2026, 12:13 PM (Saudi time)
A Saudi law effective January 22, 2026 keeps Makkah and Madinah property ownership reserved for Muslims while creating narrow pathways for licensed foreign-owned companies serving pilgrims.
With Hajj 2026 over, Saudi authorities have launched a vast operation to dismantle temporary facilities, inspect infrastructure, and prepare Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah for the next pilgrimage.
Saudi Arabia's Makkah Route Initiative concluded its 1447 AH operations after pre-clearing 388,694 pilgrims from 10 countries, adding Senegal and Brunei for the first time.
Saudi authorities upgraded the Grand Mosque's Zamzam water system for the 1447 AH Hajj season, distributing more than 2.1 million cups daily through 169 fountains backed by 70 daily quality tests.
Makkah developer Umm Al Qura has launched a 2026-2030 strategy to become a multi-city development platform and secured a 1.2 million square metre site to be built as Masar Gardens.
Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs will open mandatory registration for Hajj 2027 later this month, urging pilgrims to ensure passports are valid until 16 November 2027.
Pilgrims gather on the Day of Arafah, the spiritual peak of Hajj, retracing the Prophet Muhammad’s final sermon.
Saudi Arabia turns to drones to shield pilgrims from extreme heat The Peninsula Qatar
Saudi Arabia: Hajj 2026 reaches its spiritual peak as millions of Muslim pilgrims gather MSN
Hajj 2026: Ghana records first pilgrim death Ghana News Agency
Hajj 2026: Mina Becomes a Smart Pilgrim City as Hajj Rituals Commence Kashmir Life
Hajj 2026: Drones, AI to be used for medical, logistic services The New Arab