Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Sep 2026, 11:04 AM (Saudi time)
Madinah authorities have reviewed their operational plan for the Umrah season while the agency running the Prophet's Mosque expands AI-based crowd management and new entry rules for visits to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah.
Saudi Public Security says Hajj and Umrah service firms face fines of up to SR100,000 for failing to report pilgrims who overstay, part of a wider enforcement drive that has also suspended 21 Umrah operators.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs has launched a fully digital 'New Muslim' card issued automatically through the Tawakkalna app, with a QR code for instant verification.
The first group of 250 pilgrims from 16 countries has performed Umrah under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program, part of 1,000 guests hosted this year at King Salman's expense.
Makkah's Deputy Emir chaired a Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee meeting on July 29 to review the current Umrah season and begin planning Hajj 1448, drawing on workshops involving 60 government and service entities.
Saudi Arabia's Cabinet has approved a unified national visa platform under the Foreign Ministry to issue and manage all visas, part of a wider digital transformation drive.