Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 26 Jun 2026, 5:04 PM (Saudi time)
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.
Saudi Arabia built its largest-ever cooling infrastructure for Hajj 2026, expanding shaded areas at Arafat fivefold; research links the decade-long programme to a 74.6% drop in heat-stroke cases.
Saudi Arabia's statistics authority confirmed 1,707,301 pilgrims performed Hajj 2026, up from 1.67 million in 2025, with international arrivals making up the vast majority.
Bangladesh has released its Hajj 2027 roadmap, setting a September 26, 2026 registration deadline and a detailed timeline running through the expected pilgrimage on May 15, 2027.
The Haj Committee of India has advised pilgrims to ready their passports as Hajj 2027 registration is expected to open soon, following Saudi Arabia's release of the Hajj 1448 AH Preparation Document.
Licensable picture: Saudi Arabia announces end of Hajj season with over 1.7M pilgrims in 2026 reutersconnect.com
Saudi Arabia announces end of Hajj season with over 1.7M pilgrims in 2026 Anadolu Ajansı
Post-Hajj return flights begin tonight as rituals ends in Makkah dailycountrytodaybd.com
Makkah Deputy Governor Announces Success of 1447 AH Hajj Season وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Hajj 1447 AH / 2026 AD: Mr. Belmehdi Participates in the Annual Reception Hosted by the Saudi Crown Prince الإذاعة الجزائرية |
Eid al-Adha in Gaza this year marked the third Eid in a row without animal sacrifice or Hajj.