Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 7 Nov 2026, 10:28 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia's Third Expansion of the Grand Mosque is advancing as part of a wider transformation of Makkah and Madinah aimed at hosting tens of millions of pilgrims annually under Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia's Hajj minister said more than 19 million people visited Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah in the Prophet's Mosque over two years, as the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum opened in Madinah.
Saudi authorities have advised Umrah pilgrims that the Grand Mosque is quietest from 10pm to 4am and 9am to 4pm, and busiest from 5pm to 9pm, and encouraged the use of live crowd-density tools to plan Tawaf and Sa'i.
The second group of 250 pilgrims under King Salman's Guests Program has performed Umrah in Makkah, part of 1,000 worshippers from 23 countries hosted at the King's expense this year.
Madinah authorities have installed a new sign banning motorcycles from Quba Street, a main route to the historic Masjid Quba, as part of traffic control measures, requiring visitors to use alternative transport.
Saudi Arabia has opened the sixth edition of its "Think for the Two Holy Mosques" innovation programme, inviting AI and technology ideas to improve services at Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi, with a September 16, 2026 deadline.
President Tinubu departs Abuja for Makkah to pray for the nation Encomium Magazine
Atiku Demands Daily Proof Of Tinubus Whereabouts During Makkah Trip Nigerian Voice
President Tinubu Departs For Makkah, Prays for Nigeria’s Peace Voice of Nigeria
Tinubu Going To France, Not Makkah – Atiku Naija News
Atiku challenges Tinubu to prove he’s in Makkah Vanguard News
Tinubu heading for Makkah Daily Trust