Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 28 Jul 2026, 6:06 PM (Saudi time)
The official 1448 AH Hajj calendar sets out the season's key dates, with electronic wallet transfers via Nusuk Masar from 15 July, package contracting from 29 July, and Hajj visa issuance beginning in late January 2027.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs has expanded multilingual religious guidance in the prayer rooms of hotels around the Grand Mosque for the 1448 AH Umrah season, pairing scholarly lessons with digital screens.
Pakistan's federal cabinet has approved its first four-year Hajj Policy for 2027 to 2030, replacing annual sign-ups with a one-time registration system, a Shariah-compliant savings scheme and a fully digitized process.
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.
Guests of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Umrah and Visit Program Arrive in Makkah, Perform Umrah وكالة الأنباء السعودية
'2026 Hajj applicants to get priority consideration for 2027 pilgrimage' — Bauchi Pilgrims Board Daily Post Nigeria
First Group of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program Heads to Makkah for Umrah وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Bangladesh urges Saudi Arabia to reduce Hajj airfare, accommodation costs The Bangladesh Monitor
Beyond Infrastructure: Why Hajj Gives Saudi Arabia a Competitive Advantage in Hosting Global Events صحيفة مال
Saudia Launches Hajj 2026 Operations with Over One Million Seats for Pilgrims TMX Newsfile