Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 Jun 2026, 12:05 PM (Saudi time)
Saudi forces arrested 34 people in Hajj 2026 enforcement operations including 18 caught forging Nusuk cards and wristbands, 5 attempting desert border crossings into Makkah, and 1 running social media scams.
Saudi Arabia has invested 6 billion SAR over four years to transform Hajj infrastructure: 7,800 bathrooms cutting waits by 75%, 200% more hospital capacity, 60,000 trees, and 400 misting fans at the Jamarat.
Pakistan launches a digital scorecard system allowing 119,000 pilgrims to rate their 1,378 Hajj assistants via QR codes, with penalties including deportation for persistent negligence.
Saudi Ministry of Health has published a free Hajj health guide in 8 languages covering heat prevention, respiratory infections, food safety, first aid, and advice for high-risk groups.
A study presented at the EGU General Assembly shows the 2024 Hajj breached human survivability limits for four hours. While Hajj 2026 will be cooler, the research warns of future risks from climate change.
A structured week-by-week preparation checklist for Hajj 2026 pilgrims covering documents, medical, packing, spiritual preparation, and key dates from now until the Hajj begins on May 25.
Hajj clinics get drone supply boost as heat hits 45°C in Makkah Minute Mirror
2026 Hajj season saw 1,707,301 pilgrims: Saudi Arabia's GASTAT The Peninsula Qatar
Saudi Arabia: Hajj 2026 Reaches Its Spiritual Peak As Millions Of Muslim Pilgrims Gather Wvu Baseball (xjyv8NYx6z) Mshale
Saudi Arabia records over 1.7m pilgrims for 2026 Hajj Daily Trust
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