Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 23 Sep 2026, 10:20 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has published the 1448 AH Umrah calendar: visa issuance ends 9 March 2027, final entry is 23 March 2027, and all Umrah-visa pilgrims must leave by 7 April 2027, with Nusuk permits required throughout.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued the 1448 AH Hajj roadmap, setting a 26 September 2026 registration deadline, discontinuing the lowest package tier, and mandating operator training and integrated service packages.
The Third Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque has raised capacity to around 1.85 million worshippers, with work continuing toward more than two million.
The authority overseeing the Two Holy Mosques has expanded services for elderly and disabled pilgrims, adding dedicated gates, free electric carts, wheelchairs, volunteers, and digital guidance.
Saudi Arabia has deployed an AI robot at the Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque that answers religious questions, gives directions, and translates in 15 languages.
The Prophet's Mosque in Madinah has expanded its digital services with real-time prayer-area tracking, interactive smart maps, and multilingual sermon translation.