Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 22 Sep 2026, 9:49 AM (Saudi time)
King Salman has issued a royal order extending Prince Khalid Al-Faisal's service as governor of Makkah Province for a further four years. The prince also chairs the Central Hajj Committee that oversees the annual pilgrimage.
A digital overhaul at the Grand Mosque has cut pilgrim transit waits from two hours to about nine minutes, part of a drive to make the sanctuary one of the world's smartest sites by 2030.
Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Madani, a recognised muezzin of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, has died. He called the Fajr prayer on Monday morning before passing away in the early hours.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque has launched a cloud-based, round-the-clock Q&A service on toll-free number 8001222100, answering pilgrims' questions on rituals in 11 languages.
Makkah's Holy Capital Secretariat has opened Hajj 2027 catering contractor qualification through its Easha electronic platform, requiring firms to meet technical and administrative standards to ensure safe, high-quality food services for pilgrims.
Saudi air defences intercepted a drone heading toward Makkah on September 16, 2026, prompting a rare security alert and unified condemnation from the OIC, the Arab League, and the imams of the Two Holy Mosques.
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