Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 20 Jun 2026, 5:11 PM (Saudi time)
Indonesia has placed nearly 17,000 regular Hajj pilgrims in four-star and five-star Madinah hotels for the first time, with priority given to elderly pilgrims and those with special needs.
Saudi Arabia's 2027 Hajj timeline requires 1.5 doctors and 1.7 nurses per 1,000 pilgrims, mandatory Nusuk contracting with e-wallet payments, and operations through a single service provider.
Pilgrims from around 66 eligible countries can apply directly for an Umrah visa through Nusuk, while travellers elsewhere must use a licensed agent, with hotel booking now required before applying.
Saudi health authorities say the 2026 Hajj concluded with no epidemiological outbreaks and no major crowd accidents, crediting heat mitigation, AI-guided pathways, and a large medical deployment.
Saudi Arabia has restructured Hajj 2027 service packages into three tiers, scrapping the long-standing Package D and tying accommodation, transport, and catering into unified contracts.
A pure gold plaque that once crowned the gate of the Holy Kaaba more than three centuries ago is now on display at the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture in Makkah.
Over 1.5 million pilgrims begin Hajj amid regional tensions Al Jazeera
The spiritual and physical challenge is described by pilgrims as a transformative and deeply meaningful journey.
With nearly two million worshippers performing Hajj this year, technology is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Hajj to experience milder weather as pilgrimage moves into spring and winter Gulf News
Hajj 2026: Saudi Arabia’s metro system to transport over two million pilgrims MSN
8 persons penalized for transporting 18 people without Hajj permits Saudi Gazette