Oberoi Hotel in Madinah to Stop Operations After 40 Years
The luxury hotel right next to the Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) will end its management contract on January 1, 2026.
Masjid an-Nabawi Opens Volunteer Jobs For Iftar Meals For Ramadan 2026
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Prophet’s Mosque announces seasonal volunteer opportunities to manage iftar services for pilgrims during the upcoming holy month.
Emirates Introduces Pocket Prayer Mats for Passengers
New thicker, portable prayer mats available upon request from cabin crew on all flights.
Suicide Attempt at Masjid al-Haram, Man Threw Himself From The Top Floor
A person throws himself from upper levels of Masjid al-Haram, with security officer injured during intervention attempt; both receiving medical treatment.
11.9 Million Pilgrims Performed From Nov 22 to Dec 20, 2025
Unprecedented numbers perform the lesser pilgrimage during the 29-day period from November 22 to December 20, 2025.
Muslim Teacher Shot Dead Inside Aligarh Muslim University Campus
A 43-year-old teacher at a university-run school was killed in a shooting near the Maulana Azad Library.
Garuda Indonesia to Transport Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims from 2026 to 2028
Indonesian National airline signs three-year agreement with Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, guaranteeing capacity and reduced fares for pilgrims over the next three pilgrimage seasons.
Isra and Miraj to Be Observed on January 16, 2026
The night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad PBUH will be commemorated on 27 Rajab 1447 AH, corresponding to January 16, 2026.
Indonesia Acquires $500 Million Complex in Makkah for Hajj Pilgrims
Government purchases Novotel Thakher City hotel and adjacent land to establish dedicated “Hajj Village” accommodating 23,000 Indonesian pilgrims near Grand Mosque.
India: Bihar Chief Minister Removed Muslim Doctor’s Hijab at Ceremony
Nitish Kumar faces widespread condemnation for removing a Muslim woman’s face veil during appointment ceremony.
Hajj Operators Face Immediate License Cancellation for Mismanagement
Ministry warns private pilgrimage companies that negligence causing pilgrims to miss Hajj 2026 will result in permanent operating bans and financial penalties.
Two Holy Mosques Authority Wins Prestigious Service Award
General Authority for Care of Two Holy Mosques receives Bronze Award at Saudi Customer Experience Awards for innovative pilgrim service initiative.
India: 600-Year-Old Mosque Set On Fire in Uttar Pradesh
A historic mosque in Mirzapur district targeted in an overnight arson attack, with the imam sleeping inside narrowly escaping injury.
Saudi Arabia Bans Children Under 12 from Hajj 2026 Due to Heat Risks
New regulation prohibits pilgrims under age 12 from participating in 2026 Hajj, a safety measure implemented after heat-related fatalities in previous hajj seasons.
Islamic Organizations Launch Donations For Victims of Wang Fuk Court Fire in Hong Kong
Hong Kong based Islamic Union organizes emergency fundraising after Wang Fuk Court fire, where hundreds still missing in city’s deadliest building disaster in decades.