Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 4 May 2026, 5:35 PM (Saudi time)
A comprehensive packing checklist for women performing Hajj 2026, covering Ihram clothing, footwear, menstrual supplies, toiletries, medication, worship essentials, and practical items for the extreme May heat.
A practical guide to life in Mina during Hajj 2026: tent accommodation tiers, daily routines, bathroom realities, the Jamarat walk, and essential tips for surviving the world's largest temporary city.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Makkah and Madinah in 2-2.5 hours at 300 km/h. Expected to carry tens of thousands of pilgrims during Hajj 2026 with air-rail integration and Nusuk app booking.
A practical guide to booking and visiting the Rawdah in the Prophet's Mosque during Hajj 2026, including Nusuk app booking steps, gender-separated visiting hours, and essential tips for pilgrims.
India deploys 175,025 pilgrims for Hajj 2026 from 17 embarkation points with new Hajj Suvidha App, smart wristbands, a short-duration option, enhanced insurance of Rs 625,000, and Haramain train access for 60,000 pilgrims.
Indonesia leads the world with a 221,000 Hajj quota for 2026, followed by Pakistan (180,000) and India (175,000). Nigeria's quota was cut 30% to 66,910 for underutilisation. Indonesia's average wait is 26.4 years.
Saudi transport minister tours Hajj shuttle service for pilgrims Arab News
The decades-old intrigue over an Indian guest house in Mecca BBC
Spanish Muslims retrace ancient Hajj travel route on horseback from Andalusia to Saudi Arabia The Independent
The route to Makkah: Pilgrim’s journey from home to the holy city Arab News
2 million Muslims ‘stone the devil’ as Hajj continues in Mecca | Daily Sabah Daily Sabah
Amid Rising Heat, Hajj Becomes Test of Endurance for Pilgrims and Saudi Arabia The New York Times