Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 Jun 2026, 2:20 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi statistics show more than 11.2 million pilgrims performed Umrah in the fourth quarter of 2025, split almost evenly between visitors from abroad and worshippers already inside the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has approved its first international airport for Makkah and advanced plans for a city metro, aiming to give pilgrims direct access and ease congestion under Vision 2030.
Pilgrims can now perform Umrah on tourist, transit, business and other valid Saudi visas as the 1448 AH season opens, though Nusuk bookings and a 30-day visa window apply.
The General Authority for the Two Holy Mosques has rolled out a coordinated package of guidance, welfare and mobility services to support pilgrims visiting Madinah after Hajj 2026.
Saudi Arabia has deployed an AI-powered, multilingual robot at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque to answer pilgrims' religious questions and provide instant translation.
With Umrah resuming after Hajj 2026 during peak summer, pilgrims are urged to guard against heat exhaustion and dehydration in Makkah temperatures that can exceed 45 degrees Celsius.
Over 1.7 million pilgrims perform 2026 Hajj — Saudi authorities MSN
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