Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 11 Nov 2026, 10:04 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi authorities have announced separate daily entry times for men and women wishing to enter Hijr Ismail at the Grand Mosque, aiming to ease crowding and regulate movement around the Kaaba.
Saudi Arabia's King Salman Gate project, rising beside the Grand Mosque, is set to add capacity for around 900,000 worshippers as the Kingdom targets 30 million pilgrims a year by 2030.
Saudi Arabia has declared the 2026 Hajj season complete, with 1,707,301 pilgrims from 165 nationalities taking part under an integrated system of security, organization and services.
Saudi Arabia's Cabinet has approved a single national visa platform under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aiming to streamline how visas are issued and managed across the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has launched a Package Visa pilot that lets eligible travelers obtain a tourist visa together with flights, accommodation and other services in a single booking.
With Makkah temperatures topping 42C, Saudi authorities are enforcing digital crowd-management and safety rules for Umrah pilgrims arriving this summer.
Makkah Control Room established for Indian Umrah pilgrims amid Saudi flight disruptions inkl
Pilgrims caught up in Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia Reuters
Kemenhaj Has No Plans to Advise Pilgrims to Postpone Umrah After Riyadh Attacks Kompas.com
Is It Safe to Perform Umrah Now? Wego Travel Blog
Makkah Deputy Governor Chairs Hajj, Umrah Permanent Committee Meeting وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Saudi Arabia announces end of Hajj season with over 1.7M pilgrims in 2026 Anadolu Ajansı