Grand Mosque cuts pilgrim wait times to nine minutes with smart tech
Digital systems have cut pilgrim waiting times at Makkah's Grand Mosque from about two hours to nine minutes, part of a drive to make it one of the world's smartest sites by 2030.
Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 13 Sep 2026, 11:08 AM (Saudi time)
Digital systems have cut pilgrim waiting times at Makkah's Grand Mosque from about two hours to nine minutes, part of a drive to make it one of the world's smartest sites by 2030.
Nigeria has secured a phased transition to Saudi Arabia's B2B Hajj model, moving 30 percent of its quota in 2027 rather than 98 percent, while a September 26 registration deadline looms.
Saudi Arabia's Nusuk pilgrimage platform has passed 51 million users worldwide, adding offline access, more than 100 services in 25 languages and safeguards against booking fraud.
Iran has resumed Umrah travel to Saudi Arabia after a roughly six-month pause, with 18,000 pilgrims in the first phase and about five million voucher holders still waiting.
Saudi Arabia has unveiled 2027 Hajj reforms that cut package options to three tiers, bundle accommodation, transport and catering, and make staff training mandatory for permits.
Saudi Public Security has reiterated that Hajj and Umrah service firms face fines of up to SR100,000 for failing to report pilgrims who overstay their authorised period in the Kingdom.
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