Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 15 May 2026, 6:24 PM (Saudi time)
Five Saudi ministries confirm Hajj 2026 readiness with 1.5 million expected pilgrims, 52,000 healthcare workers, full 5G coverage at holy sites, and AI-powered crowd monitoring across all sacred locations.
Hajj 2026 dates are confirmed: Dhul Hijjah begins May 18, pilgrims move to Mina on May 25, the Day of Arafah is May 26, and Eid al-Adha falls on Wednesday May 27.
Saudi Arabia's Adahi facility - the world's largest automated slaughterhouse - is ready to process 800,000 Hajj sacrifices using AI, with meat distributed to 27 countries. Only sheep are being processed for 2026.
The Dhul Hijjah moon sighting is expected May 16-17, with Pakistan's SUPARCO predicting Eid al-Adha on May 27. Official confirmation from Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court will determine all Hajj 2026 dates.
Saudi Arabia has activated its live smart transport system for Hajj 2026, with 20,000+ GPS-tracked buses, the Haramain Railway, and 24/7 control centres managing pilgrim movement in real time.
Saudi forces arrested 34 people in Hajj 2026 enforcement operations including 18 caught forging Nusuk cards and wristbands, 5 attempting desert border crossings into Makkah, and 1 running social media scams.
49th Hajj symposium highlights pilgrimage in a changing world Arab News
Saudi Arabia deploys 40,000 security forces in Mecca for Hajj 2025 Gulf News
Hajj pilgrims gather in Mecca under scorching desert sun Al-Monitor
Saudi Arabia stops 269,678 people without Hajj permits from entering Mecca Al Arabiya English
Pilgrims Depart Madinah for Makkah Under Coordinated Guidance وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Malcolm X: The Pilgrimage to Makkah IslamiCity