Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 16 Sep 2026, 10:23 AM (Saudi time)
A senior Indonesian lawmaker has warned that 2027 Hajj costs could rise due to higher taxes and prices in Saudi Arabia, as parliament reviews the budget to contain airfares and other expenses.
King Salman has begun hosting 1,000 Umrah pilgrims worldwide at his personal expense, with the first of four phases welcoming 250 pilgrims from 16 Asian countries under the royal guest program.
Nigeria's NAHCON has opened Hajj 2027 registration with a September 26, 2026 deadline and a minimum deposit of 4 million naira, as Saudi service agreements open on the Masar Nusuk platform from July 29.
Jadwa Investment aims to nearly double its real estate assets to SR50 billion and invest SR30 billion more in Makkah and Madinah, while Ladun launches a SR4 billion Makkah fund, as private capital chases Vision 2030 pilgrim growth.
India's Haj Policy 2027 introduces an AI assistant offering round-the-clock multilingual support, automated document checks and real-time grievance tracking, alongside a better inspector-to-pilgrim ratio.
Saudi Arabia deported 12,292 residency, labour and border violators in one week, arresting 15,591 people between June 25 and July 1, a reminder for pilgrims to travel only on valid visas and leave before they expire.
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