Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 5 Nov 2026, 8:32 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported distributing over 300,000 umbrellas and training more than 8,000 external Umrah agents in September, alongside forums and Nusuk platform upgrades.
Makkah authorities have opened new lanes on the Third Ring Road and Prince Saud Al-Faisal Road, cutting travel times on affected routes by more than 90 percent to ease pilgrim congestion.
Algeria's National Office of Hajj and Umrah has approved 55 travel agencies to organise the 2027 Hajj, including two public operators, with departures set from Algiers and nine regional airports.
Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport has started phased operations at Terminal 4, a 15-million-passenger facility that includes a dedicated group check-in area for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stepped up supervision of Umrah travel operators after a series of fraud complaints, urging pilgrims to verify agency licences before booking.
Saudi Arabia Railways and Hitachi Rail have signed a contract to modernize the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro, the 18 km line that moves pilgrims between the holy sites during Hajj.
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