Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Jun 2026, 6:51 PM (Saudi time)
The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites completed the second phase of its Arafat shading and cooling project, expanding covered areas fivefold to more than 272,000 square metres ahead of Hajj 2026.
Saudi Arabia deployed more than 39,000 trained volunteers across the holy sites, border crossings and pilgrim cities during Hajj 2026, coordinated through a unified digital command centre linking 16 organisations.
Saudi authorities announced the successful conclusion of the Hajj 2026 season, with more than 1.7 million pilgrims completing the rites at the holy sites. Preparations for the 1448 AH pilgrimage have already begun.
Saudi Arabia has begun issuing Umrah visas for the 1448 AH season, with pilgrims able to enter Makkah from June 1, 2026. The Nusuk application is now mandatory for permit issuance regardless of visa type.
International Hajj 2026 arrivals reached 1,518,153 - surpassing 2025's total despite regional tensions. The Makkah Route Initiative served a record 388,694 pilgrims across 1,227 flights.
Saudi Arabia announces the full Umrah 1448 calendar running June 2026 to April 2027, with a new 30-day visa entry rule replacing the previous 90-day window.
Hajj 2026 kicks off, Saudi Arabia focuses on safety and logistics optimization also thanks to AI Agenzia Nova
Saudi Arabia Activates AI Operations Centres for Hajj CairoScene
Community partnership between Cenomi Centers and the Makkah Municipality to support pilgrims and local community programs ZAWYA
Hajj 2026 begins in Saudi Arabia as millions of pilgrims gather in Makkah en.bd-pratidin.com
Hajj 2026 Begins Amid Scorching Heat and Regional Tensions The Indian Awaaz
Millions gather in Mecca for Hajj despite security concerns France 24