Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 29 Jul 2026, 11:19 AM (Saudi time)
Nigeria has opened registration for the 2027 Hajj with a firm closing date of September 26, giving intending pilgrims a short three-month window. State agencies have set initial deposits of between 4 and 8 million naira.
New data shows Makkah and Madinah hotels outperforming the wider Saudi market in early 2026, with Makkah occupancy near 84 percent in January. Pilgrimage remains a core driver of the Kingdom's tourism economy.
The first of four groups under King Salman's Guests Program has reached Makkah and performed Umrah. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is hosting 1,000 pilgrims from around the world at his own expense this year.
Saudi authorities have announced separate daily entry times for men and women wishing to enter Hijr Ismail at the Grand Mosque, aiming to ease crowding and regulate movement around the Kaaba.
Saudi Arabia's King Salman Gate project, rising beside the Grand Mosque, is set to add capacity for around 900,000 worshippers as the Kingdom targets 30 million pilgrims a year by 2030.
Saudi Arabia has declared the 2026 Hajj season complete, with 1,707,301 pilgrims from 165 nationalities taking part under an integrated system of security, organization and services.
Saudi Arabia launches one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa Gulf Business
Saudi Arabia launches one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa Gulf Business
Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Ministry launches one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa Gulf News
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Investigators arrest 31-year-old man identified as Charles Medina in connection with death of Rapp who was 26US boxer Hannah Rapp, who in June fought for the World Boxing Council women’s featherweight championship, was killed on Saturday while she bicycled in Texas after a motorist struck her with...
Saudi Arabia Accelerates Makkah Tourism Transformation With New Ibis Hotel Development Strengthening Umrah Travel Growth, Pilgrimage Infrastructure and Year Round Hospitality Capacity Travel And Tour World