Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 Jun 2026, 7:06 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.
Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat as hajj reaches peak The Daily Star
Saudi Arabia: 1.5 million join Hajj pilgrimage despite war The Independent Uganda
Saudi Arabia: Hajj 2026 reaches its spiritual peak as millions of Muslim pilgrims gather MSN
1.7 million pilgrims perform 1447 AH Hajj Gulf News
Photos of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca New Castle News
Over 1.7 million pilgrims perform Hajj - Saudi Arabia وكالة الانباء الاردنية