Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 20 Jun 2026, 5:11 PM (Saudi time)
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.
Saudi Arabia requires the quadruple meningitis vaccine for all pilgrims, with polio and yellow fever shots mandatory for travellers from at-risk regions, and flu, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccines strongly advised.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has approved 73 companies as qualified to serve domestic pilgrims, urging pilgrims to contract only through official channels.
Saudi Arabia concludes Hajj season with 1.7 million pilgrims, highlights AI-driven operations Gulf Business
Zamfara Hajj Commission announces pilgrims’ return schedule The Guardian Nigeria News
Rijiju Promises Probe into Theft of Valuables from Haj Pilgrims’ Baggage; Defends Hajj 2026 Performance IndiaTomorrow
First Batch Of Adamawa Pilgrims Returns Home From 2026 Hajj LEADERSHIP Newspapers
‘2026 Hajj Remains My Best Pilgrimage In 45 Years’ LEADERSHIP Newspapers
Hajj 2026: 1,600 Lagos pilgrims arrive safely from Makkah MSN