Online Portal for Hajj 2026 Room and Bed Expansion Launched
Licensed hotels and guesthouses in Makkah and Madinah can now request additional bed capacity for Hajj 1447 via a new e-service.
7 Pakistani Umrah Pilgrims Died in Saudi Road Crash
A single family from Buner, Pakistan, lost seven members—four of them children—when their vehicle overturned during their pilgrimage trip.
Indonesia Buying Land in Makkah for Hajj Village Near Masjid al Haram
Following Saudi reforms, Jakarta bought eight plots near the Grand Mosque (Masjid al Haram) to build Indonesian pilgrim housing and commerce.
Smart Makkah Hackathon Targets Innovations for Masjid al‑Haram and Holy City
The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, alongside public and private partners, launches a community‑driven hackathon to develop tech solutions for Masjid al‑Haram and the surrounding holy precinct under Vision 2030.
Non‑Muslims Banned from Buying Properties in Makkah and Madinah
Starting January 1, 2026, non-Saudi investors may buy property in Riyadh and Jeddah, while Mecca and Medina remain restricted to Muslim individuals and certain Saudi entities.
Hong Kong Mosques Close as Typhoon Wipha Triggers Highest Storm Warning
With the T10 signal in effect on July 20, mosques across Hong Kong suspended all services and remained shut until the storm abated.
Masjid Al Haram Gets Helpline Phone Number For Visitors
New phone service and on‑site help desks guide visitors through prayer and rites at Masjid al‑Haram and Masjid an‑Nabawi.
Masjid an Nabawi Launched 24/7 Helpline for Pilgrims
24/7 inquiry service activated for ritual guidance at 8001111935.
List of Locations For Inquiry at Masjid al Haram
14 permanent assistance stations operational year-round with multilingual support.
Sun to Align Directly Over Kaaba Tomorrow 15 July 2025 at 12:27 PM
It will happen tomorrow at 12:27 PM Makkah time.
Backup Imams Appointed at Masjid al Haram and Nabawi For Every Prayer
Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al‑Sudais mandates that every obligatory prayer at Masjid al‑Haram and Masjid an‑Nabawi include secondary imams and muezzins to maintain uninterrupted worship.
Indonesian President Performs Umrah and Entered the Kaaba
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto performed Umrah in Mecca on July 2, 2025.
Saudia Partners with Vietnam Airlines to Ease Umrah Travel for Vietnamese Pilgrims
New codeshare agreement creates direct pathways for Umrah pilgrims from Vietnam to Islam’s holiest sites.
Kazakhstan Bans Niqab and all Face-Covering Clothing in Public
President Tokayev enacts a law banning any face‑covering clothing that hinders recognition, with limited exemptions, aligning Kazakhstan with regional dress restrictions.
Kaaba Gets New Kiswa as New Islamic Year 1447 Begins
The Kiswa is the black silk cloth with decorative stitching that covers the Sacred Kaaba. It gets replaced every year when the new Islamic calendar year begins.