Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 14 Jun 2026, 1:07 AM (Saudi time)
Indonesia has placed nearly 17,000 regular Hajj pilgrims in four-star and five-star Madinah hotels for the first time, with priority given to elderly pilgrims and those with special needs.
Saudi Arabia's 2027 Hajj timeline requires 1.5 doctors and 1.7 nurses per 1,000 pilgrims, mandatory Nusuk contracting with e-wallet payments, and operations through a single service provider.
Pilgrims from around 66 eligible countries can apply directly for an Umrah visa through Nusuk, while travellers elsewhere must use a licensed agent, with hotel booking now required before applying.
Saudi health authorities say the 2026 Hajj concluded with no epidemiological outbreaks and no major crowd accidents, crediting heat mitigation, AI-guided pathways, and a large medical deployment.
Saudi Arabia has restructured Hajj 2027 service packages into three tiers, scrapping the long-standing Package D and tying accommodation, transport, and catering into unified contracts.
A pure gold plaque that once crowned the gate of the Holy Kaaba more than three centuries ago is now on display at the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture in Makkah.
Pakistan Hajj Mission wins Saudi excellence award for second consecutive year Arab News
Photos show Muslim pilgrims in Mecca as annual Hajj pilgrimage ends Houston Chronicle
Muslim pilgrims conclude annual Hajj pilgrimage Middle East Monitor
Saudi Arabia Tightens Hajj 2026 Rules, UK Warns Pilgrims to Leave Before Visa Expiry as Riyadh Enforces Steep Penalties Travel And Tour World
Photos show Muslim pilgrims in Mecca as annual Hajj pilgrimage ends Times Union
Photos show Muslim pilgrims in Mecca as annual Hajj pilgrimage ends iNFOnews.ca