Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 20 Jun 2026, 12:02 PM (Saudi time)
Hajj 2026 has officially begun as nearly 2 million pilgrims enter Ihram and move to Mina on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. The Day of Arafah follows tomorrow, with Eid al-Adha on Wednesday.
Over 860,000 foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2026, with 820,000 by air, 35,000 by land, and 4,000 by sea. The Makkah Route Initiative has cut airport processing from 2 hours to 15 minutes.
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.
Hajj pilgrims brave sweltering Mecca heat with ice cream and giant fans The Times of Israel
VIDEO: Pilgrims begin Hajj in sweltering heat Gulf Today
Muslims begin the annual Hajj against a backdrop of war concerns NPR
Pilgrims kick off 2026 Hajj season Al Arabiya English
Pilgrims kick off 2026 Hajj season Al Arabiya English
More than 1.5m foreign pilgrims begin Hajj despite Iran war fears BBC