Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 20 Sep 2026, 10:23 AM (Saudi time)
Singapore's MUIS has begun Haj 2027 preparations with a 900-place quota from Saudi Arabia and a strengthened mandatory medical assessment, setting deadlines that run from mid-September through early November 2026.
India has announced its Haj Policy 2027, allocating 175,025 pilgrim seats between the Haj Committee of India and private operators, and expanding digital and medical measures for travellers.
Saudi Arabia has restructured its Hajj 2027 offering into three package tiers, discontinuing Package D and making a unified accommodation, transport and catering model mandatory for pilgrims.
Saudi authorities have confirmed fines of up to SR100,000 for Hajj and Umrah service companies that fail to report pilgrims who remain in the Kingdom after their authorised stay expires.
Saudi Arabia's rail network moved more than 83 million passengers in the first half of 2026, a 16 percent rise that underlines the growing role of trains in moving pilgrims and residents across the Kingdom.
The UAE has opened registration for Emirati citizens who have not performed Hajj to apply for the 1448 AH/2027 season between September 14 and 25, with places allocated through an automated system.
Businesses in Makkah, Madinah expecting 40% losses from Umrah pilgrimage ban Arab News