Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 13 Sep 2026, 11:08 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia is expanding digital systems at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, aiming to make it one of the world's smartest sites by 2030, with smart mobility, digital iftar management, the Rafed platform and interactive mapping.
Nigeria's NAHCON has reaffirmed 26 September 2026 as the Hajj 2027 registration deadline, with about 50,000 slots allocated, a Saudi MoU expected in November and five airlines approved to airlift pilgrims.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has published a Legal Awareness Guide in 14 languages and launched a Know Your Rights campaign covering accommodation, transport, catering and complaint procedures for pilgrims.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is expanding artificial intelligence for pilgrims, including the multilingual Nusuk AI assistant and a Digital Mutawwif that guides the rites and counts Tawaf and Sa'i rounds.
The UAE will open Hajj 2027 registration for citizens from September 14 to 25, 2026 through the Awqaf authority, with automated screening and approved names expected by October 9.
Saudi Arabia has launched a digital platform for the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah offering real-time crowd tracking, prayer-area occupancy updates and an interactive map with more than 950 points of interest.
Gateway Air ready to airlift hajj pilgrims — Abiodun Daily Post Nigeria
Third Group of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Umrah Program Departs Makkah spa.gov.sa
Wadi Al-Usaylah's Ancient Inscriptions, Historic Wells Trace Early Hajj Routes Near Makkah spa.gov.sa
Guests of Umrah program visit cultural district in Makkah arabnews.com
Hajj registration ends 24 Sept; Bangladesh has 78,500 pilgrim quota for 2027 Prothom Alo English
Makkah Region Deputy Governor Inspects Hajj and Umrah Halls Complex at King Abdulaziz International Airport وكالة الأنباء السعودية