Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 16 Sep 2026, 10:23 AM (Saudi time)
Makkah's Royal Commission has signed agreements to redevelop seven central districts across 4.4 million square meters, backed by more than SR16.3 billion in investment under the Developed Districts Program.
Saudi Arabia has approved plans for Makkah's first international airport and completed designs for a city metro, aiming to ease travel for millions of pilgrims.
Indonesia has launched a formal review of its 2026 Hajj operation, citing lower pilgrim costs, pre-departure Nusuk Cards and a 25 percent fall in deaths, while flagging healthcare and conditions in Mina as priorities for reform.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended 21 Umrah service companies for poor performance and regulatory breaches, underscoring tighter oversight of the sector.
Astronomers say the Hajj is moving out of peak summer heat into milder spring and winter seasons for roughly 25 years, easing conditions for pilgrims.
Corendon Airlines has begun direct Antalya-Jeddah Umrah flights for the 2026-2027 season and plans to add services from five more Turkish cities.
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