Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Jun 2026, 6:51 PM (Saudi time)
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.
Saudi Arabia has invested 6 billion SAR over four years to transform Hajj infrastructure: 7,800 bathrooms cutting waits by 75%, 200% more hospital capacity, 60,000 trees, and 400 misting fans at the Jamarat.
Pakistan launches a digital scorecard system allowing 119,000 pilgrims to rate their 1,378 Hajj assistants via QR codes, with penalties including deportation for persistent negligence.
The Hajj begins amid extreme heat in Mecca: Saudi Arabia deploys thousands of medical staff following last year’s tragedy Atalayar
How Hajj is driving a food and beverage boom in Saudi Arabia The New Arab
Pilgrims kick off Hajj as Iran war's future uncertain The New Arab
Hajj 2026: Mobile Medical Units Launched on Hijrah Road The Islamic Information
Day of Arafah 2026 in India: Date, Significance & Hajj Return Travel Guide Wego Travel Blog
Hajj 2026: Saudi Arabia Deploys Drones, Smart Maps and AI for Pilgrim Crowd Management Kashmir Life