Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 Jun 2026, 12:05 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.
For third year in a row, Israel blocks Hajj pilgrimage for Gaza Muslims Al Jazeera
2026 Hajj: Nigerian pilgrims move to Makkah ahead Arafat day Tribune Online
War has not deterred Asian Muslims from the hajj The Economist
Pilgrims from the West flock to hajj in Mecca despite uncertainty in war with Iran The Times of Israel
Indonesia, Saudi Arabia discuss enhanced security for Hajj pilgrims ANTARA News
Makkah targets 94% pilgrim satisfaction during 2026 Hajj ارقام