Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 5 May 2026, 2:24 AM (Saudi time)
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.
Middle East airspace closures force Hajj 2026 flight rerouting, adding costs. India imposes USD 100 surcharge on 100,000+ pilgrims after negotiating down airline demands of USD 300-400.
250,000 Pakistanis register for Hajj 2026 as deadline ends today Arab News
Over 18 million foreign pilgrims perform Umrah in 2024, up 101% from 2022 Gulf News
NCM Deploys Advanced Weather Monitoring for Hajj Safety وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Nearly 17 million foreign pilgrims perform Umrah in 2024, up 101% from 2022 Saudi Gazette
Flying With Saudia Or Flynas? You Can Now Perform Umrah Without A Separate Visa curlytales.com
How to perform Umrah on a free Saudi transit visa Gulf News