Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 Jun 2026, 2:20 AM (Saudi time)
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.
Pakistan launches 468-flight Hajj 2026 airlift for 119,000+ pilgrims from 8 cities. Road to Makkah initiative expands to Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, benefiting 95,000 pilgrims.
Hajj 2026 deploys unprecedented technology: mandatory Nusuk smart cards, GPS-enabled health-monitoring wristbands, AI crowd management, and a 51-million-user app with 130+ digital services.
Indonesia launches Hajj 2026 with 391 pilgrims in the first batch, deploying 548 flights to transport its 221,000-strong quota - the largest of any country. Average waiting time stands at 26.4 years.
33 stranded Bangladeshi Umrah pilgrims returned home after ministerial intervention, highlighting the importance of choosing licensed travel operators and maintaining proper documentation.
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
Saudi Arabia: Hajj 2026 reaches its spiritual peak as millions of Muslim pilgrims gather MSN
1.7 million pilgrims perform 1447 AH Hajj Gulf News
Photos of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca New Castle News
Over 1.7 million pilgrims perform Hajj - Saudi Arabia وكالة الانباء الاردنية