Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 23 Sep 2026, 10:20 AM (Saudi time)
The eastern expansion of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, part of the Third Saudi Expansion, adds more than 36,500 square metres of space with a new prayer hall, glass domes and shaded courtyards to boost capacity and comfort.
Saudi Arabia has confirmed the 1448 AH Umrah season calendar, setting March 9, 2027 as the final date for visa issuance, March 23 for pilgrim entry and April 7 for departure, alongside a reduced 30-day visa validity window.
Saudi Arabia will require Hajj 2027 operators to sign unified contracts bundling accommodation, transport and catering, with priority reservations opening June 30, 2026 and existing holy-site location holders given precedence.
The Nusuk platform has become mandatory for Umrah permits and now serves more than 51 million users worldwide, adding crowd alerts, offline access, and a smart pilgrim card.
Saudi Arabia Railways says the Haramain High Speed Railway carried more than 1.16 million pilgrims between Makkah and Madinah during the 1447 AH Hajj season with on-time performance above 98 percent.
Saudi authorities have widened shading, cooling, and misting systems across Mecca and the holy sites to protect pilgrims from extreme summer heat, including a second phase of the Mount Arafat cooling project.
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