Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 16 Sep 2026, 10:23 AM (Saudi time)
Under Saudi Arabia's expanded policy for the 1448 AH season, holders of tourist, business and transit visas can perform Umrah provided the visa is linked to Nusuk and a permit is issued through the app before entering Makkah.
India has released its Hajj Policy 2027 and opened applications through the Hajj Committee portal and Hajj Suvidha App, retaining the 70:30 quota split while adding new technology and assistance measures.
Health authorities have reaffirmed the vaccination requirements for Hajj 2027, led by the compulsory quadrivalent meningitis (ACYW) certificate, alongside COVID-19, influenza and country-specific polio rules.
Saudi Arabia has eliminated the budget Package D for Hajj 2027 and consolidated all offerings into three enhanced, all-inclusive tiers, with key contracting deadlines on June 30 and August 13, 2026.
Saudi Arabia has upgraded the mandatory Nusuk app with AI-driven crowd alerts, a green-to-red traffic-light capacity system at the Two Holy Mosques, and a smart digital pilgrim card for the 1448 AH Umrah season.
The Al-Mashaer Metro carried pilgrims between Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah during Hajj 1447, easing road congestion and cutting tens of thousands of bus trips. The electric line forms part of a wider transport push at the holy sites.
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