Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 23 Sep 2026, 10:20 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia has eliminated the budget Package D for Hajj 2027 and consolidated all offerings into three enhanced, all-inclusive tiers, with key contracting deadlines on June 30 and August 13, 2026.
Saudi Arabia has upgraded the mandatory Nusuk app with AI-driven crowd alerts, a green-to-red traffic-light capacity system at the Two Holy Mosques, and a smart digital pilgrim card for the 1448 AH Umrah season.
The Al-Mashaer Metro carried pilgrims between Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah during Hajj 1447, easing road congestion and cutting tens of thousands of bus trips. The electric line forms part of a wider transport push at the holy sites.
Saudi Arabia has shortened the Umrah visa entry window from three months to 30 days for the 1448 AH season, while keeping the 90-day in-country stay unchanged. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also confirmed the season's opening and closing dates.
Bangladesh's Ministry of Religious Affairs has released its Hajj 2027 roadmap, asking pilgrims to complete registration by September 26, 2026. The schedule follows the Saudi Hajj 1448 calendar handed over in Jeddah.
A jet fuel price surge raised the cost of flying Hajj pilgrims in 2026, prompting Indonesia and Pakistan to subsidise fares while India added a surcharge. Officials are now planning for fuel-driven cost pressures in 2027 and 2028.
Saudi Arabia rejects Nigeria’s request for extra 2027 Hajj slots Blueprint Newspapers
2027 Hajj: Saudi Arabia declines Nigeria’s request for additional slots Tribune Online
2027 Hajj: Saudi Arabia declines Nigeria’s request for additional slots Tribune Online
2027 Hajj: Saudi Arabia rejects Nigeria’s request for more slots Punch Newspapers
Makkah Mayoralty opens applications for Hajj 2027 catering contract Saudi Gazette
First Hajj Flight from Malaysia Heads to Saudi Arabia under Makkah Route Initiative spa.gov.sa