Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 28 Jul 2026, 6:06 PM (Saudi time)
For the 1448 AH season, Saudi Arabia has cut Umrah entry visa validity to 30 days, made confirmed Nusuk bookings a condition of visa approval, and made all visa types eligible to perform Umrah.
A senior Indonesian lawmaker has warned that 2027 Hajj costs could rise due to higher taxes and prices in Saudi Arabia, as parliament reviews the budget to contain airfares and other expenses.
King Salman has begun hosting 1,000 Umrah pilgrims worldwide at his personal expense, with the first of four phases welcoming 250 pilgrims from 16 Asian countries under the royal guest program.
Nigeria's NAHCON has opened Hajj 2027 registration with a September 26, 2026 deadline and a minimum deposit of 4 million naira, as Saudi service agreements open on the Masar Nusuk platform from July 29.
Jadwa Investment aims to nearly double its real estate assets to SR50 billion and invest SR30 billion more in Makkah and Madinah, while Ladun launches a SR4 billion Makkah fund, as private capital chases Vision 2030 pilgrim growth.
India's Haj Policy 2027 introduces an AI assistant offering round-the-clock multilingual support, automated document checks and real-time grievance tracking, alongside a better inspector-to-pilgrim ratio.
Makkah deputy emir reviews Umrah season, steps up Hajj 1448 preparations Saudi Gazette
Makkah deputy emir reviews Umrah season, steps up Hajj 1448 preparations Saudi Gazette
Hajj 2027 registration opens Monday, minimum age set at 15 Prothom Alo English
Makkah Deputy Governor Chairs Hajj, Umrah Permanent Committee Meeting وكالة الأنباء السعودية
'Repentant' Bandits Arrested After Hajj Released In Katsina After Police Interrogation Sahara Reporters
3 of Bangladeshi family killed in Saudi road crash on way to Umrah The Business Standard