Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 5 May 2026, 5:34 PM (Saudi time)
A guide to Zamzam water for Hajj 2026: its 4,000-year history from Hajar's desperate search, where to find it in the Haram, how to take it home (5L bottle per pilgrim), the Sunnah of drinking it, and its geological uniqueness.
Over 50,000 international pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2026 from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with the arrival phase continuing through May 21 across 12,000+ flights.
Iraqi pilgrims enter Saudi Arabia overland via Jadidat Arar, tracing the path of the ancient Darb Zubaydah - a 1,400 km Hajj route built over 1,000 years ago under Abbasid patronage and now a UNESCO tentative World Heritage Site.
A spiritual preparation guide for Hajj 2026 with four weeks to go: settle debts, write your will, increase worship, learn the rituals, purify your intention, and the final night dua before departure.
A spiritual guide to the Day of Arafah for Hajj 2026 (expected May 26): the best Prophetic supplication, how to structure the afternoon, preparing your dua list, and making the most of the pinnacle of Hajj.
Saudi Arabia implements Green Hajj 2026 initiatives: recycling 50 tonnes of Ihram garments, converting food waste to fertiliser, processing 12,000 tonnes of slaughterhouse waste, and deploying animal health safeguards.
This Pandemic Isn’t the First Time the Hajj Has Been Disrupted for Muslims Smithsonian Magazine
GCC citizens temporarily banned from entering Saudi Arabia’s Makkah and Madinah arabnews.jp
Businesses in Makkah, Madinah expecting 40% losses from Umrah pilgrimage ban Arab News
These Are the Strangest Journeys to Makkah for Hajj About Islam
Saudi eases restrictions on Umrah pilgrims traveling across the kingdom Gulf Business
How Hajj volunteers help pilgrims realize their lifelong dream Arab News