Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 22 Jun 2026, 12:13 PM (Saudi time)
The Al Madinah Region Development Authority has equipped over 19,000 square meters of pedestrian walkways and launched a bilingual spatial guidance system to improve mobility for pilgrims around the Prophet's Mosque.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah suspended 21 Umrah service companies on June 13, 2026, citing poor performance and regulatory violations as it tightens standards across the sector.
Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs will open mandatory Hajj 2027 registration later in June 2026, requiring all applicants to hold passports valid until November 16, 2027.
Saudi Arabia's latest Vision 2030 data shows international Umrah arrivals hit a record 18.03 million in 2025, part of a wider tourism surge that saw nearly 123 million total visitors.
A gold plaque from 1707 that once adorned the Kaaba's gate is on display at the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture in Makkah, part of a collection tracing centuries of care for the holy sites.
The sun aligned almost perfectly over the Kaaba on May 28, 2026, letting Muslims worldwide verify the Qibla. The overlap with Eid al-Adha happens only once every 33 years.
Ice cream, giant fans, umbrellas: Hajj pilgrims battle Makkah's extreme heat Khaleej Times
Hajj 2026 kicks off, Saudi Arabia focuses on safety and logistics optimization also thanks to AI Agenzia Nova
Saudi Arabia Activates AI Operations Centres for Hajj CairoScene
Community partnership between Cenomi Centers and the Makkah Municipality to support pilgrims and local community programs ZAWYA
Hajj 2026 begins in Saudi Arabia as millions of pilgrims gather in Makkah en.bd-pratidin.com
Hajj 2026 Begins Amid Scorching Heat and Regional Tensions The Indian Awaaz