Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 Jun 2026, 12:05 PM (Saudi time)
A practical guide to life in Mina during Hajj 2026: tent accommodation tiers, daily routines, bathroom realities, the Jamarat walk, and essential tips for surviving the world's largest temporary city.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Makkah and Madinah in 2-2.5 hours at 300 km/h. Expected to carry tens of thousands of pilgrims during Hajj 2026 with air-rail integration and Nusuk app booking.
A practical guide to booking and visiting the Rawdah in the Prophet's Mosque during Hajj 2026, including Nusuk app booking steps, gender-separated visiting hours, and essential tips for pilgrims.
India deploys 175,025 pilgrims for Hajj 2026 from 17 embarkation points with new Hajj Suvidha App, smart wristbands, a short-duration option, enhanced insurance of Rs 625,000, and Haramain train access for 60,000 pilgrims.
Indonesia leads the world with a 221,000 Hajj quota for 2026, followed by Pakistan (180,000) and India (175,000). Nigeria's quota was cut 30% to 66,910 for underutilisation. Indonesia's average wait is 26.4 years.
With temperatures exceeding 45C, Hajj 2026 demands serious heat preparation. Saudi Arabia deploys 155,000-tonne cooling, 32,000 health workers, and smart wristbands, but pilgrims must hydrate, use umbrellas, and know heat stroke warning signs.
28 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have died so far daily-sun.com
Hajj 2026 begins in Saudi Arabia as millions of pilgrims gather in Mecca Gulf News
Saudi Umrah Visas Resume May 31 Indiplomacy
28 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have died so far daily-sun.com
Umrah 2026-2027: Saudi Arabia Resumes Visa Services, Announces Key Dates Travel and Leisure Asia
Muslims begin the annual Hajj in sweltering heat against a backdrop of war concerns Ottumwa Courier