Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 15 May 2026, 6:24 PM (Saudi time)
Five Saudi ministries confirm Hajj 2026 readiness with 1.5 million expected pilgrims, 52,000 healthcare workers, full 5G coverage at holy sites, and AI-powered crowd monitoring across all sacred locations.
Hajj 2026 dates are confirmed: Dhul Hijjah begins May 18, pilgrims move to Mina on May 25, the Day of Arafah is May 26, and Eid al-Adha falls on Wednesday May 27.
Saudi Arabia's Adahi facility - the world's largest automated slaughterhouse - is ready to process 800,000 Hajj sacrifices using AI, with meat distributed to 27 countries. Only sheep are being processed for 2026.
The Dhul Hijjah moon sighting is expected May 16-17, with Pakistan's SUPARCO predicting Eid al-Adha on May 27. Official confirmation from Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court will determine all Hajj 2026 dates.
Saudi Arabia has activated its live smart transport system for Hajj 2026, with 20,000+ GPS-tracked buses, the Haramain Railway, and 24/7 control centres managing pilgrim movement in real time.
Saudi forces arrested 34 people in Hajj 2026 enforcement operations including 18 caught forging Nusuk cards and wristbands, 5 attempting desert border crossings into Makkah, and 1 running social media scams.
Pakistan’s prime minister Imran Khan performs Umrah at Grand Mosque in Makkah Arab News
Military-trained Saudi women guards guide Umrah pilgrims in Makkah in Ramadan Arab News
Military-trained Saudi women guards guide Umrah pilgrims in Makkah in Ramadan Arab News
Saudi Arabia: Vaccine required to enter Prophet’s Mosque, permit needed for Umrah Arab News
Saudi Arabia expands capacity, allows Umrah for vaccinated pilgrims in Ramadan Arab News
Kingdom resumes ticket sales for Makkah and Madinah high speed train arabnews.jp