Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Jun 2026, 1:40 AM (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.
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