GASTAT: Hajj 2026 Drew 1,707,301 Pilgrims, Up From 2025
Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Statistics confirmed that 1,707,301 pilgrims performed Hajj 2026, an increase over the previous year, with the vast majority arriving by air.
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Saudi Arabia's Largest-Ever Cooling Effort Shielded Hajj 2026 Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia deployed its biggest cooling and shading operation in Hajj history for 2026, expanding shaded areas at Arafat fivefold and adding misting systems, reflective paving, drones and AI monitoring to ease extreme heat.
Saudi Arabia Sets Hajj 2027 Calendar: Visas in January, Flights in April
Saudi Arabia has released the Hajj 2027 operational calendar, with registration closing 26 September 2026, visa issuance beginning 28 January 2027, flights from 8 April and Hajj around 15 May 2027.
Saudi Arabia Begins Annual Replacement of the Holy Kaaba's Kiswa
Saudi Arabia has begun its annual replacement of the Holy Kaaba's Kiswa, with 154 craftsmen installing a new 1,415kg covering of 47 silk panels embroidered with 68 Quranic verses in gold-plated thread.
Makkah Exhibition Displays Rare Crowd-Control Relic From the Kaaba
A wooden platform once placed beside the Black Stone, used by a soldier to direct Tawaf, is now on display at the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques' Architecture in Makkah.
Umrah Reopens After Hajj 2026 With New 30-Day Visa Entry Rule
Saudi Arabia has reopened Umrah for the 1448 AH season after Hajj 2026, with Nusuk permits resuming on June 10 and a new rule cutting visa entry validity to 30 days.