Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 5 Nov 2026, 8:32 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the Masar Nusuk digital service to automate Umrah contracting for the 1448 AH season, using unified electronic contracts with QR-code verification.
Saudi Arabia is building an 8.5 million square metre Waste Processing City south of Mecca, set for completion by end of 2027 and designed to serve the holy city for up to 60 years.
Saudi Arabia built its largest-ever cooling infrastructure for Hajj 2026, expanding shaded areas at Arafat fivefold; research links the decade-long programme to a 74.6% drop in heat-stroke cases.
Saudi Arabia's statistics authority confirmed 1,707,301 pilgrims performed Hajj 2026, up from 1.67 million in 2025, with international arrivals making up the vast majority.
Madinah's Prophet's Mosque has welcomed post-Hajj pilgrims with an integrated service system featuring crowd management, multilingual guidance, Rawdah flow control and round-the-clock care.
Saudi Arabia has launched a national Tech Challenge inviting entrepreneurs to build digital solutions for crowd management, the pilgrim experience, and language services across Hajj and Umrah.
Indonesia urges umrah pilgrims to avoid Malaysia, Singapore transit flights to Mecca Sinar Daily
Best photos of October 27: Israelis voting in national elections to Muslims performing Umrah in Makkah The National
Deputy Minister Confirms Safe Conditions in Saudi Arabia for Umrah Kompas.com
Indian Consulate General in Saudi Arabia updates Ch. Ramzan MP on Kashmiri Umrah pilgrims JK News Today
Flight Disruptions Leave 4,000 Indian Umrah Pilgrims Stranded In Makkah, Seek Govt Help TimelineDaily
Indonesia’s US$533 million Makkah deal paves way for 6,000 additional hotel rooms Hotelier Middle East