Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 23 Sep 2026, 10:20 AM (Saudi time)
The first group of 250 pilgrims under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program has performed Umrah in Makkah after visiting Madinah. King Salman is hosting 1,000 Umrah performers from 16 countries this year at his own expense.
India has opened Hajj 2027 registration, with the Qurrah random selection draw set for July 30 in Mumbai and an advance payment deadline of August 10. The Haj Policy 2027 adds AI tools, tighter health screening and more inspectors.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah says its Nusuk Care centers operate around the clock in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and the holy sites, offering multilingual help with lost pilgrims, complaints, missing persons and the Nusuk and Tawakkalna apps.
Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais has launched a Field Services Center at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah as part of the 1448 Umrah and visitation season plan, aimed at faster, better-coordinated religious services for visitors.
Saudi authorities have launched a free QR-based service showing live crowd levels in the Grand Mosque's Mataf and Masa'a areas, helping pilgrims choose quieter routes for Tawaf and Sa'i.
A planned 518-room ibis hotel in Makkah's Al Maabdah district will add economy accommodation about three kilometres from the Grand Mosque as the Kingdom expands capacity for year-round Umrah demand.
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