Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Jun 2026, 12:22 PM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia has begun building an 8.5 million square metre waste processing city south of Mecca, designed to meet the holy city's environmental needs and serve millions of pilgrims for up to 60 years.
Saudi Arabia's Heritage Commission has uncovered more than 1,700 artefacts at Miqat Al Juhfah, a historic station on the ancient Hajj route to Mecca, shedding light on early Islamic pilgrimage networks.
As the 1448 Umrah season opens, pilgrims face summer heat above 40C in Makkah. Sensible timing, hydration, and use of cooling infrastructure keep the rites safe.
India has opened the administrative cycle for Hajj 2027 after receiving Saudi preparation documents, with an advisory urging pilgrims to ready their passports ahead of registration.
Saudi Arabia's Makkah Route Initiative pre-cleared 388,694 pilgrims across 10 countries for Hajj 1447, completing entry procedures in about 40 seconds before departure.
Saudi Arabia reopened the 1448 AH Umrah season on May 31, 2026, with Grand Mosque permits now issued only through the Nusuk app and a shorter 30-day visa entry window.
GASTAT Releases Official Hajj 2026 Statistics: 1,707,301 Pilgrims - News and Statistics IndexBox
Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice Al Jazeera
Another Ghanaian pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia during Hajj Graphic Online
The sacred holiday coincides with Hajj, drawing over 1.7 million pilgrims seeking spiritual fulfilment in Saudi Arabia.
Defected Sudanese RSF commander Savannah performs Hajj in Mecca Middle East Eye
Saudi Arabia says 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year Middle East Monitor