Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 29 Jul 2026, 5:28 PM (Saudi time)
As the lunar calendar moves Hajj out of peak summer from 2027, Saudi Arabia continues to expand a record cooling and shading operation across Makkah and the holy sites, while urging pilgrims to take personal heat precautions.
India released its Haj Policy 2027 on 22 June 2026 and opened applications, retaining the 70:30 quota split, adding Kolkata as an embarkation point, tightening medical screening and planning AI-assisted pilgrim services.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended 21 Umrah companies for poor performance and regulatory violations, urging pilgrims to use only licensed operators.
Saudi Arabia has banned entry, including for Umrah pilgrims, from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan over an Ebola outbreak, with extra health screening for travellers from four nearby countries.
Bangladesh has released its Hajj 2027 roadmap, asking pilgrims to register by September 26, 2026, with visas issued from January 2027 and Hajj expected on May 15, 2027.
Saudi Arabia has opened Hajj 2027 service tenders to qualified local and international companies, with expressions of interest due by October 30, 2026.
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