Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 16 Sep 2026, 10:23 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi authorities have advised Umrah pilgrims that the Grand Mosque is quietest from 10pm to 4am and 9am to 4pm, and busiest from 5pm to 9pm, and encouraged the use of live crowd-density tools to plan Tawaf and Sa'i.
Saudi Arabia has announced its 2027 Hajj reforms, making unified accommodation, transport and catering packages mandatory, cutting offerings to three categories and requiring compulsory staff training.
Iran has restarted Umrah travel to Saudi Arabia after a six-month halt, sending 18,000 pilgrims in the first phase while about five million voucher holders wait, with flights and foreign currency shaping the pace.
For the 1448 AH Umrah season, Saudi Arabia requires confirmed Nusuk hotel and transport bookings before a visa is issued, cuts entry validity to 30 days, and lets all visa types perform Umrah.
Saudi Arabia's Hajjathon has attracted 405 applicants developing AI, health and technology solutions to improve services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, held within the 26th Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah and Visit Research.
The UAE will register citizens for the 2027 Hajj from September 14 to 25, with approved pilgrims named on October 9 after an automated screening process.
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