Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Sep 2026, 11:04 AM (Saudi time)
The OIC, Muslim World League and several governments condemned a Houthi drone attempt to strike Makkah, calling it a violation of Islam's holiest sites and expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Saudi air defenses intercepted a Houthi drone south of Makkah on September 15, prompting a rare security alert in the holy city that was quickly lifted. Officials called pilgrim safety a 'red line' as worship at the Grand Mosque continued.
Heavy rain and hail hit Makkah on 13 September 2026 as worshippers continued praying at the Grand Mosque, part of a wider thunderstorm system the National Centre for Meteorology had forecast across the Kingdom.
Officials say digital tools have cut pilgrim waiting times at the Grand Mosque from about two hours to roughly nine minutes, part of a drive to make the site one of the world's smartest by 2030.
Digital systems have cut pilgrim waiting times at Makkah's Grand Mosque from about two hours to nine minutes, part of a drive to make it one of the world's smartest sites by 2030.
Saudi Arabia's National Center for Meteorology has warned of heavy rain, flash floods and hail across the Makkah region and lighter rain in Madinah, prompting Civil Defense safety advisories for pilgrims during the early Umrah season.
Saudi Arabia Calls Mecca a ‘Red Line’ After Alleged Houthi Drone Attack on the Holy Site Time Magazine
Houthi drone destroyed before entering Makkah’s airspace, Saudi Arabia says アラブニュース
Bangladesh condemns reported drone attack targeting Mecca, reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia The Business Standard
Bangladesh condemns reported drone attack targeting Makkah, reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia The Business Standard
The Houthis deny targeting the Islamic holy city after the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen accuses them of a "disgraceful act".
Saudi Arabia says it shot down Houthi drone south of Mecca BBC