Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Sep 2026, 11:04 AM (Saudi time)
Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais has launched a Field Services Center at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah as part of the 1448 Umrah and visitation season plan, aimed at faster, better-coordinated religious services for visitors.
Saudi Arabia has rolled out new safety regulations for the 1448 AH Umrah season, including color-coded digital crowd boards, marked pedestrian paths, prohibited-conduct rules, and designated prayer areas for elderly pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia has set stricter health and fitness requirements for pilgrims, barring serious uncontrolled conditions and mandating vaccination and physical capability.
The authority overseeing the Two Holy Mosques has expanded services for elderly and disabled pilgrims, adding dedicated gates, free electric carts, wheelchairs, volunteers, and digital guidance.
The Prophet's Mosque in Madinah has expanded its digital services with real-time prayer-area tracking, interactive smart maps, and multilingual sermon translation.
Saudi Arabia's Jawazat now lets hosts extend single-entry and multiple-entry visit visas online through the Absher platform, provided the visitor is inside the kingdom with valid insurance and no unpaid fines.