Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 23 Sep 2026, 10:20 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia has banned entry, including for Umrah pilgrims, from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan over an Ebola outbreak, with extra health screening for travellers from four nearby countries.
Bangladesh has released its Hajj 2027 roadmap, asking pilgrims to register by September 26, 2026, with visas issued from January 2027 and Hajj expected on May 15, 2027.
Saudi Arabia has opened Hajj 2027 service tenders to qualified local and international companies, with expressions of interest due by October 30, 2026.
Pakistan has introduced online Hajj payments through its 1LINK interbank network as registrations for Hajj 2027 surpassed 150,000, advancing a fully digital pilgrimage system.
Pilgrims preparing for Hajj 2027 must meet Saudi Arabia's health requirements, including a mandatory meningococcal ACYW vaccine, alongside recommended flu, pneumococcal and COVID-19 shots.
Saudi Arabia's statistics authority GASTAT confirmed 1,707,301 pilgrims performed Hajj in 2026, detailing arrivals by origin, gender, and travel mode, a modest rise over 2025.
Makkah Municipality Begins Receiving Applications to Qualify Catering Contractors for Hajj 1448 AH spa.gov.sa
Saudi Arabia Calls Mecca a ‘Red Line’ After Alleged Houthi Drone Attack on the Holy Site Time Magazine
Houthi drone destroyed before entering Makkah’s airspace, Saudi Arabia says アラブニュース
Makkah-Madina Travels and Tours expands Umrah-plus packages amid rising visa hurdles The Bangladesh Monitor
Bangladesh condemns reported drone attack targeting Mecca, reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia The Business Standard
Bangladesh condemns reported drone attack targeting Makkah, reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia The Business Standard