Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 7 Nov 2026, 10:28 AM (Saudi time)
The Grand Mosque's integrated cooling system, one of the world's largest at about 155,000 refrigeration tons, holds indoor temperatures at 22-24C, while shaded areas at Arafat have expanded fivefold to over 272,000 square metres.
Saudi authorities have launched a QR-based service at the Grand Mosque in Makkah that shows real-time crowd levels in the Mataf and Masa'a, helping pilgrims choose calmer routes for Tawaf and Sa'i.
The Grand Mosque authority has expanded services for elderly and disabled pilgrims, adding dedicated routes, free electric carts, multilingual guidance and mobile barber units for the exit from ihram.
Saudi authorities have launched a free QR-based service showing live crowd levels in the Grand Mosque's Mataf and Masa'a areas, helping pilgrims choose quieter routes for Tawaf and Sa'i.
A planned 518-room ibis hotel in Makkah's Al Maabdah district will add economy accommodation about three kilometres from the Grand Mosque as the Kingdom expands capacity for year-round Umrah demand.
As summer Umrah arrivals climb, Makkah's Grand Mosque relies on a 155,000-ton cooling system, 400-plus misting stations and heat-reflective roads to protect pilgrims from extreme heat.
Indonesia’s US$533 million Makkah deal paves way for 6,000 additional hotel rooms Hotelier Middle East
Iran's security chief to meet defence officials from the Mecca Defence Alliance in Tehran as fighting rages in Yemen.
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