Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Sep 2026, 11:04 AM (Saudi time)
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.
Makkah's Holy Capital Secretariat has opened Hajj 2027 catering contractor qualification through its Easha electronic platform, requiring firms to meet technical and administrative standards to ensure safe, high-quality food services for pilgrims.
Kuwait's Ministry of Islamic Affairs has barred journalists, media figures and celebrities from using social media to commercially promote Hajj companies while in Saudi Arabia, limiting professional media access to the accredited official mission team.
Saudi Arabia's Hajj and Umrah Ministry says no new Umrah requirements have been added, while expanding options through a multiple-entry visa, wider online booking and AI tools. Officials also reported 32,000 inspection tours and 21 company suspensions.
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