Hajj 2026 Draws 1.7 Million Pilgrims, GASTAT Figures Show
Saudi Arabia's statistics authority GASTAT confirmed 1,707,301 pilgrims performed Hajj in 2026, detailing arrivals by origin, gender, and travel mode, a modest rise over 2025.
thehajj.guide Analysis (Page 30 of 80)
Smartphone Biometrics Now Central to Umrah Visa Issuance
Saudi Arabia has expanded the Saudi Visa Bio app, letting Umrah pilgrims register fingerprints and facial data from their smartphones and removing the need to visit visa centers in supported countries.
Hajj 2027: Saudi Arabia Scraps Package D in Three-Tier Overhaul
Saudi Arabia has scrapped the budget-tier Package D for Hajj 2027 and replaced it with three premium categories bundling accommodation, transport, and catering, prompting concern over higher costs for pilgrims.
King Salman Approves Hosting 1,000 Umrah Pilgrims as Royal Guests
King Salman has approved hosting 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from 66 countries as royal guests at his personal expense, beginning with 250 pilgrims from 16 Asian nations in the first of four phases during 1448 AH.
Haram Authority Sets Separate Hijr Ismail Entry Times for Men and Women
Saudi Arabia's Grand Mosque authority has set separate Hijr Ismail entry times: women from 6:00am to 9:00am and men from 10:00pm to 1:00am, to ease crowding near the Kaaba.
Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba Replaced in Annual Ceremony
Saudi Arabia has completed the annual replacement of the Kiswa covering the Holy Kaaba, a 1,415-kilogram covering of 47 embroidered silk panels crafted by 154 Saudi artisans.
From Around the Web (Page 2 of 13)
EXCLUSIVE: Police Documents Reveal ‘Repentant’ Bandits Told Investigators They Paid for Their Own Hajj Amid Katsina Sponsorship Controversy - Sahara Reporters
EXCLUSIVE: Police Documents Reveal ‘Repentant’ Bandits Told Investigators They Paid for Their Own Hajj Amid Katsina Sponsorship Controversy Sahara Reporters
Saudi Arabia launches new multi-entry visa for Umrah pilgrims - Daily Trust
Saudi Arabia launches new multi-entry visa for Umrah pilgrims Daily Trust
Woman, 2 children killed in Saudi road crash while travelling for Umrah - Jagonews24.com
Woman, 2 children killed in Saudi road crash while travelling for Umrah Jagonews24.com
Zulum receives 2026 Hajj Report, assures support of intending pilgrims in 2027 - The Guardian Nigeria News
Zulum receives 2026 Hajj Report, assures support of intending pilgrims in 2027 The Guardian Nigeria News
Saudi app Hudhud guides Umrah pilgrims through Makkah’s sacred and historic landscape - Arab News
Saudi app Hudhud guides Umrah pilgrims through Makkah’s sacred and historic landscape Arab News
Kano Pilgrims’ Board returns N117m surplus from 2026 Hajj operations - The Guardian Nigeria News
Kano Pilgrims’ Board returns N117m surplus from 2026 Hajj operations The Guardian Nigeria News