Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 17 Jun 2026, 6:35 PM (Saudi time)
Over 860,000 foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2026, with 820,000 by air, 35,000 by land, and 4,000 by sea. The Makkah Route Initiative has cut airport processing from 2 hours to 15 minutes.
Five Saudi ministries confirm Hajj 2026 readiness with 1.5 million expected pilgrims, 52,000 healthcare workers, full 5G coverage at holy sites, and AI-powered crowd monitoring across all sacred locations.
Hajj 2026 dates are confirmed: Dhul Hijjah begins May 18, pilgrims move to Mina on May 25, the Day of Arafah is May 26, and Eid al-Adha falls on Wednesday May 27.
Saudi Arabia's Adahi facility - the world's largest automated slaughterhouse - is ready to process 800,000 Hajj sacrifices using AI, with meat distributed to 27 countries. Only sheep are being processed for 2026.
The Dhul Hijjah moon sighting is expected May 16-17, with Pakistan's SUPARCO predicting Eid al-Adha on May 27. Official confirmation from Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court will determine all Hajj 2026 dates.
Saudi Arabia has activated its live smart transport system for Hajj 2026, with 20,000+ GPS-tracked buses, the Haramain Railway, and 24/7 control centres managing pilgrim movement in real time.
2026 Hajj: Saudi authorities to translate Arafat sermon into Yoruba, Hausa, 33 other languages MSN
Pakistan concludes Hajj flight operation as final pilgrims depart for Saudi Arabia The Nation (Pakistan )
Kuwait to operate 63 flights for 2026 Hajj season, transporting 8,400 pilgrims Gulf News
Morocco’s Official Pilgrimage Delegation Departs for Hajj 2026 Morocco World News
Kenya Hajj Mission officials inspect Mina camps ahead of 2026 pilgrimage The Eastleigh Voice
Nearly 96pc of pilgrims reach holy cities as final flights depart today The Nation (Pakistan )