Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 9 Jun 2026, 7:00 PM (Saudi time)
Pilgrims from around 66 eligible countries can apply directly for an Umrah visa through Nusuk, while travellers elsewhere must use a licensed agent, with hotel booking now required before applying.
Saudi health authorities say the 2026 Hajj concluded with no epidemiological outbreaks and no major crowd accidents, crediting heat mitigation, AI-guided pathways, and a large medical deployment.
Saudi Arabia has restructured Hajj 2027 service packages into three tiers, scrapping the long-standing Package D and tying accommodation, transport, and catering into unified contracts.
A pure gold plaque that once crowned the gate of the Holy Kaaba more than three centuries ago is now on display at the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture in Makkah.
Saudi Arabia's Heritage Commission and the University of Exeter uncovered more than 1,700 artefacts at the historic Al Juhfah miqat, including kilns, a water channel and Umayyad and Abbasid-era tombstones.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the Masar Nusuk digital service to automate Umrah contracting for the 1448 AH season, using unified electronic contracts with QR-code verification.
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing: Implementation of environmental control and treatment works in more than 46,000 locations in Makkah and the Holy Sites during the Hajj season وزارة البلديات والإسكان
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing announces the completion of the readiness of the municipal system in Makkah and the Holy Sites for the Hajj season of 1447 AH. وزارة البلديات والإسكان
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing: More than 60 tunnels prepared and more than 330,000 lighting units operated in Makkah and the holy sites for Hajj 1447 AH وزارة البلديات والإسكان
2026 Hajj: First Batch of Kwara Pilgrims Return Voice of Nigeria
New Saudi rules could reshape Indonesias 2027 hajj operations ANTARA News
Umrah by Bus from the GCC: Road Routes to Makkah in 2026 Wego Travel Blog