Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 23 Sep 2026, 10:20 AM (Saudi time)
Pakistan will open mandatory registration for Hajj 2027 later this month, requiring a passport valid until November 16, 2027. The country holds a quota of 179,210 pilgrims across government and private schemes.
As the 1448 AH Umrah season opens, access to the Rawdah in the Prophet's Mosque is governed entirely by digital Nusuk permits. Pilgrims are advised to book QR-code slots before arriving in Madinah.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended 21 Umrah companies for poor performance and regulatory violations ahead of the 1448 AH season.
Pakistan's federal cabinet has approved a Private Hajj Policy for 2027-2030, replacing quotas with a performance-based, fully digital and cashless system.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a digital contracting service on the Masar Nusuk platform to automate agreements with external agents and service providers for the 1448 AH Umrah season.
Saudi Arabia is enforcing strict health eligibility rules for Hajj, barring pilgrims with serious chronic conditions and requiring proof that applicants can perform the rituals independently.
Saudi Arabia says it intercepted a drone before it entered Islam's holiest city, calling pilgrims' security a 'red line'
Houthi drone destroyed before entering Makkah’s airspace, Saudi Arabia says Arab News
Saudi Arabia has intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone that was heading toward Mecca.
Maldivians in Makkah are safe: Shaheem edition.mv
Makkah governor thanks everyone who helped make Hajj 2018 a success Arab News
Saudi Arabia issues emergency alerts over 'potential danger' in Mecca Türkiye Today