Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 23 Sep 2026, 10:20 AM (Saudi time)
Health authorities have restated Hajj 2027 vaccination rules, including the mandatory meningococcal vaccine, plus polio and COVID-19 requirements for certain pilgrims and a medical fitness certificate.
Over 340,000 Pakistanis have registered online for Hajj 2027-2030 under the country's first four-year Hajj policy, which lets applicants register once for any year through 2030.
The Haj Committee of India selected 120,917 pilgrims for Hajj 2027 in a fully digital Qurrah draw on July 30, 2026, with 77,952 applicants placed on the waiting list.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported a 22.5 percent rise in Umrah visa arrivals, with international pilgrims exceeding 1.27 million. Pakistan, Indonesia and Iraq sent the largest groups.
Saudi Arabia has introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for 365 days with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days, managed entirely through the Nusuk platform.
Bangladesh has set its Hajj 2027 packages, with the highest government package at Tk 6,15,263 and the lowest at Tk 5,05,648, and cut Hajj airfare by Tk 24,830 to Tk 1,30,000.
Saudi Arabia says it intercepted a drone before it entered Islam's holiest city, calling pilgrims' security a 'red line'
Houthi drone destroyed before entering Makkah’s airspace, Saudi Arabia says Arab News
Saudi Arabia has intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone that was heading toward Mecca.
Maldivians in Makkah are safe: Shaheem edition.mv
Makkah governor thanks everyone who helped make Hajj 2018 a success Arab News
Saudi Arabia issues emergency alerts over 'potential danger' in Mecca Türkiye Today