Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 22 Sep 2026, 9:49 AM (Saudi time)
Senegal's private Hajj operators have urged immediate planning for the 2027 pilgrimage, spelling out firm Saudi deadlines: fee payment by December 24, 2026, registration by January 28, 2027, and no visas after March 9, 2027.
Pakistan has allocated 40 percent of its Hajj quota to private operators for 2027 and set a 300 million rupee paid-up capital rule, as companies warn of uncertainty before an August 14 Saudi payment deadline.
Egypt's Ministry of Interior will accept applications for the 2027 Hajj lottery (Hajj al-Qura) from 12 to 27 August 2026, opening domestic registration for the 1448 AH season.
Saudi Arabia has cut Hajj 2027 service packages to three tiers, discontinued the budget Package D and bundled accommodation, transport and catering into one mandatory integrated package.
Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed the vaccination and health requirements pilgrims must meet for the 1448 AH Hajj, led by the mandatory meningococcal vaccine, as countries begin registering pilgrims for 2027.
Saudi Arabia's Hajj 2027 operational calendar sets 14 August as the start of pilgrim data uploads on the Masar Nusuk platform, with visas issued from January and flights beginning in April.
2027 Hajj: Saudi Arabia rejects Nigeria’s request for more slots Punch Newspapers
Makkah Mayoralty opens applications for Hajj 2027 catering contract Saudi Gazette
First Hajj Flight from Malaysia Heads to Saudi Arabia under Makkah Route Initiative spa.gov.sa
Makkah Municipality Begins Receiving Applications to Qualify Catering Contractors for Hajj 1448 AH spa.gov.sa
Makkah governor thanks everyone who helped make Hajj 2018 a success Arab News
Makkah Health Cluster ready for Hajj with 10 hospitals and 82 health centers Arab News