Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 23 Jun 2026, 12:14 PM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia reversed its brief Hajj 2026 age restriction within hours. The minimum age remains 12 years old, and visas rejected under the short-lived 15-year rule will be reprocessed.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway carried 2 million passengers in Q1 2026 as Saudi Arabia scales up rail operations for Hajj season, offering pilgrims a 2-hour journey between Makkah and Madinah.
Saudi Arabia requires meningococcal ACWY vaccination, medical fitness certificates, and bars pilgrims with major organ failure or severe chronic conditions from Hajj 2026.
Claims that Saudi Arabia banned photography inside Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi for Hajj 2026 are false. No official directive has been issued and existing photography etiquette rules remain unchanged.
Saudi Arabia has introduced a minimum age of 15 for all Hajj 2026 pilgrims, effective May 3. Full refunds are assured for affected bookings.
A spiritual guide to maintaining the transformation of Hajj after returning home: seven daily habits (prayer, Quran, charity, righteous company, abandoning sins, istighfar), signs of an accepted Hajj, and the Prophetic duas for the returning pilgrim.
Saudi Arabia says 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year Middle East Monitor
Muslim pilgrims participate in stone-throwing ritual on third day of Hajj Al Jazeera
Hajj 2026: Pilgrims perform ritual stoning in Mina Arab News
Saudi Arabia Hajj Religion News Service
Gaza Palestinians will mark a third Eid under war-like conditions, with a shortage of food and joy.
1.7 million pilgrims perform Hajj in 2026 Qazinform