Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 May 2026, 5:56 PM (Saudi time)
Eid al-Adha 2026 is here. Nearly 2 million Hajj pilgrims complete the core rituals of the 10th Dhul Hijjah while Muslims worldwide celebrate the Festival of Sacrifice.
Hajj 2026 has officially begun as nearly 2 million pilgrims enter Ihram and move to Mina on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. The Day of Arafah follows tomorrow, with Eid al-Adha on Wednesday.
Over 860,000 foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2026, with 820,000 by air, 35,000 by land, and 4,000 by sea. The Makkah Route Initiative has cut airport processing from 2 hours to 15 minutes.
Five Saudi ministries confirm Hajj 2026 readiness with 1.5 million expected pilgrims, 52,000 healthcare workers, full 5G coverage at holy sites, and AI-powered crowd monitoring across all sacred locations.
Hajj 2026 dates are confirmed: Dhul Hijjah begins May 18, pilgrims move to Mina on May 25, the Day of Arafah is May 26, and Eid al-Adha falls on Wednesday May 27.
Saudi Arabia's Adahi facility - the world's largest automated slaughterhouse - is ready to process 800,000 Hajj sacrifices using AI, with meat distributed to 27 countries. Only sheep are being processed for 2026.
Standing where Prophet Muhammad gave his final sermon, 2 million Muslims perform Hajj NPR
Why do Muslims make the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca? Sahan Journal
2 million begin Hajj as pilgrimage returns to full capacity for first time since pandemic PBS
What is it like living in Mecca? For residents, Islam’s holiest sites are simply home AP News
Journey to Mecca: Scenes from the Haj pilgrimage Reuters
‘Largest Hajj pilgrimage in history’ begins in Saudi Arabia Al Jazeera