Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 9 May 2026, 1:17 PM (Saudi time)
260 Iranian pilgrims arrived in Madinah on April 25, the first of 30,000 expected under a Tehran-Riyadh agreement for Hajj 2026. The reduced quota (down from 87,550) reflects conflict-era logistics constraints.
A comprehensive step-by-step guide to performing Tawaf at Hajj 2026: starting at the Black Stone, the seven circuits, Idtiba and Raml rules, the Hateem, Yemeni Corner, prayer after Tawaf, the Multazam, and practical crowd tips.
A complete step-by-step guide to Ihram for Hajj 2026: clothing rules for men and women, how to enter the sacred state, the full list of prohibitions, penalties for violations, and practical preparation tips.
Saudi Tourism Minister inspects Hajj 2026 facilities as 566,000 new beds are added to Makkah through a new temporary licensing system. New hospitality rules require all providers to obtain official approval.
A comprehensive accessibility guide for elderly and disabled pilgrims performing Hajj 2026: free wheelchairs, electric carts, proxy Hajj rulings, over-65 requirements, and practical tips for limited mobility.
A guide to Zamzam water for Hajj 2026: its 4,000-year history from Hajar's desperate search, where to find it in the Haram, how to take it home (5L bottle per pilgrim), the Sunnah of drinking it, and its geological uniqueness.
Umrah pilgrims offered high-speed train service between Makkah and Madinah Arab News
194,000 pilgrims in Madinah post-Hajj Arab News
Hajj Pilgrims Prepare to Depart Makkah to Madinah Asharq Al-Awsat | Explore World News Today
Photos: One million Muslims start Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca Al Jazeera
Muslim pilgrims flock to Makkah for first post-pandemic Hajj Middle East Monitor
Hajj 2022: dates, packages, Covid rules and all you need to know The National