Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 11 Nov 2026, 10:04 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia has launched early planning for Hajj 2027, convening 60 government agencies in three-day sessions to review the 2026 season and strengthen operational readiness and coordination.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway has expanded to more than 2.21 million seats across 5,300-plus trips, part of an integrated air, rail, and road transport plan for pilgrims.
The Umrah 1448 AH season runs from 31 May 2026, with visa issuance closing 9 March 2027, final entry on 23 March, and departure by 7 April 2027, all tied to mandatory Nusuk bookings.
Saudi Arabia has restructured Hajj 2027 packages into three categories, discontinued Package D, and made accommodation, transport, and catering mandatory under a new integrated service model.
More than 232,000 Pakistanis registered for Hajj 2027 in the first two weeks of a new fully digital, mandatory registration system that allows families to apply jointly.
Saudi Arabia has opened a priority reservation window running from 30 June to 13 August 2026 for Hajj operators to secure Makkah and Madinah accommodation, alongside a new mandatory unified service package and compulsory staff training for the 2027 season.
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