Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 23 Sep 2026, 10:20 AM (Saudi time)
Authorities in Makkah have urged Umrah pilgrims to time their visits around the Grand Mosque's crowd patterns, with density lowest from 10 pm to 4 am and 9 am to 4 pm, moderate from 5 am to 8 am, and highest between 5 pm and 9 pm.
Madinah's Prophet's Mosque has launched a digital platform featuring an interactive map with 950-plus service points, live crowd tracking and real-time prayer-area updates to help visitors plan ahead during the 1448 AH Umrah season.
Madinah officials reviewed operational readiness for the 1448 Umrah season while the Prophet's Mosque expanded digital services including real-time prayer-area monitoring, smart maps, and multilingual sermon translation.
Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs says 84,000 intending pilgrims have paid Rs52.5bn in first instalments for Hajj 2027 through a new digital system, with the short package selling out on day one.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened a design challenge inviting innovators to develop safer, more effective umbrellas to shield pilgrims from the sun.
Egypt has opened registration for the 2027 Hajj season through its official lottery and a separate track for members of civil society organisations, with tight eligibility rules and deadlines in late August.
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