Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Sep 2026, 11:04 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi authorities have set fixed daily entry times for Hijr Ismail at the Grand Mosque, with women admitted in the early morning and men later in the day to ease crowding near the Ka'bah.
King Salman has approved hosting 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from around the world at his own expense for the 1448 season, beginning with 250 guests from 16 Asian countries.
For the 1448 AH season, every Umrah visa must be linked to a verified hotel booking and pre-arranged transport through the Nusuk platform, a measure aimed at curbing scams.
Madinah authorities have expanded transport links and pedestrian walkways around the Prophet's Mosque, including a 24-hour airport route and over 19,000 square metres of new walkways.
Saudi Arabia has reopened the Umrah season for 1448 AH, resuming visa issuance on May 31 and pilgrim entry to Makkah from June 1, 2026, under a fixed operational calendar.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has approved 73 companies qualified to serve domestic pilgrims, urging worshippers to contract only through official channels.