Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Sep 2026, 11:04 AM (Saudi time)
A digital overhaul at the Grand Mosque has cut pilgrim transit waits from two hours to about nine minutes, part of a drive to make the sanctuary one of the world's smartest sites by 2030.
Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Madani, a recognised muezzin of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, has died. He called the Fajr prayer on Monday morning before passing away in the early hours.
Saudi Arabia's Heritage Commission has uncovered a mosque dating to the first century of Islam at the Al Maallamah mining site in the Baha region, featuring a granite mihrab, minaret and an inscription invoking blessings upon the Prophet.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism has updated licensing, classification and inspection rules for Hajj season lodges in Makkah and Madinah, sorting them into economy and first class ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.
The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque has launched a cloud-based, round-the-clock Q&A service on toll-free number 8001222100, answering pilgrims' questions on rituals in 11 languages.
Pakistan's private Hajj scheme for 2027 still has around 60,000 seats available after 11,600 pilgrims completed bookings, with the ministry urging applicants to pay only through official channels.
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