Grand Mosque expansion advances as King Salman Gate takes shape
Saudi Arabia is advancing major expansion works at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, raising capacity toward 1.85 million worshippers, alongside the vast new King Salman Gate project.
Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 23 Sep 2026, 10:20 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia is advancing major expansion works at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, raising capacity toward 1.85 million worshippers, alongside the vast new King Salman Gate project.
Saudi Arabia has begun early preparations for the 1448 AH Hajj, introducing integrated service packages, mandatory staff training and a restructured three-tier package system.
Saudi Arabia has introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days, allowing repeat visits within a one-year window and a combined stay of up to 90 days.
Egypt's Interior Ministry will receive Hajj al-Qura lottery applications for the 2027 season from 12 to 27 August 2026, as Prime Minister Madbouly orders early completion of travel, accommodation and medical arrangements.
Saudi Public Security has warned that Hajj and Umrah service companies face fines of up to SAR100,000 for failing to promptly report pilgrims who overstay their authorised period, with the penalty rising by the number of unreported cases.
Indonesia has proposed raising its 2027 Hajj cost to about Rp107.34 million per pilgrim and shifting to a 60:40 subsidy split, with the government fund covering 60 percent and pilgrims 40 percent.
The Houthis deny targeting the Islamic holy city after the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen accuses them of a "disgraceful act".
Saudi Arabia says it shot down Houthi drone south of Mecca BBC
Malaysians in Jeddah and Makkah safe following Saudi emergency alert NST Online
Can You Perform Umrah Now? The 1448 AH Season Status Wego Travel Blog
The Iran-aligned militant group rejected the suggestion it had targeted Mecca, while the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the attackSaudi Arabia’s air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday before it entered prohibited airspace over the holy cit...
Saudi-led coalition intercepts Houthi drone headed for Mecca Al Jazeera