Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 5 Nov 2026, 8:32 AM (Saudi time)
Malaysia's Tabung Haji will open appeals for the 2027 Hajj season on October 2, with a RM15,000 minimum savings balance and a new Seruan Istito'ah plan offering automatic queue placement.
Bangladesh has closed registration for the 2027 Hajj season with a quota of 78,500 pilgrims, holding firmly to a September 24 deadline that will not be extended.
Airport health authorities in Pakistan have set September 25, 2026 as the date a digital, database-linked vaccination certificate becomes required for Umrah pilgrims, covering polio, meningitis, yellow fever and influenza.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched Direct Umrah, a unified digital booking route that links pilgrims at home and abroad to approved packages through five authorized travel platforms.
Pakistan's government Hajj 2027 scheme has filled all 107,526 seats, and authorities are directing remaining applicants and overseas Pakistanis to the private scheme, which holds 71,684 seats, with a payment deadline of November 20, 2026.
Saudi Arabia Railways and Hitachi Rail signed a contract at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin to modernize the Al Mashaaer Al Muqaddassah Metro, the 18-kilometer line that moves pilgrims between Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat during Hajj.
Iran's security chief to meet defence officials from the Mecca Defence Alliance in Tehran as fighting rages in Yemen.
Beyond Oil: Can Hajj And Umrah Become Saudi Arabia’s Economic Infrastructure? – OpEd Eurasia Review
India’s Jeddah Consulate Assists Umrah Pilgrims Amid Flight Disruptions www.nationpathindia.com
India’s Jeddah Consulate Assists Umrah Pilgrims Amid Flight Disruptions www.nationpathindia.com
India extends assistance to its nationals, especially Umrah pilgrims, stranded in Saudi Arabia CNBC TV18
Danantara acquires 4.4 hectares in Makkah, eyes Madinah opportunities IDNFinancials