Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 17 Sep 2026, 10:12 AM (Saudi time)
The Makkah Construction and Development Company has signed a SAR372 million contract to renovate the historic five-star Makkah Towers hotel overlooking the Grand Mosque, in a phased 19-month project.
Regulators are finalising the 1448 AH Umrah season controls, with Egypt's Higher Committee for Umrah and Hajj reviewing new rules and emphasising digital transformation and closer coordination with Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has partnered with Wego on a single digital platform combining flights, hotels, ground services and visa requests, with payments in Saudi riyals and three service tiers.
Saudi Arabia has published a fixed timeline for the 2027 Hajj season, setting dates for contracting, payments, visa issuance and flights through the Masar Nusuk platform.
Nigeria has opened registration for the 2027 Hajj with a firm closing date of September 26, giving intending pilgrims a short three-month window. State agencies have set initial deposits of between 4 and 8 million naira.
New data shows Makkah and Madinah hotels outperforming the wider Saudi market in early 2026, with Makkah occupancy near 84 percent in January. Pilgrimage remains a core driver of the Kingdom's tourism economy.
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