Hajj 2026: Kaaba’s Kiswa Lifted Ahead of Hajj
The Kiswa — the black cloth covering the Kaaba — was lifted at 1 AM on April 18, 2026, marking the beginning of the Hajj 2026 season following more than 10 days of maintenance.
Hajj 2026: First Hajj Flights To Arrive on April 18 From Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh and India
The first Hajj 2026 flights carrying pilgrims from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia are scheduled to land in Saudi Arabia on April 18, 2026 — marking the official start of the Hajj 2026 arrival season.
Hajj 2026: Pakistan Provides Free SIM Cards with Data for Hajj Pilgrims
Pakistani Hajj pilgrims receive free local SIMs with calls and data for their Saudi stay under new government initiative.
Sheikh Sudais Says Performing Hajj Without a Permit Is Against Shariah
Sheikh Sudais stresses Hajj permits are required under Islamic law to protect pilgrims and ensure orderly worship.
Major Project Inaugurated in Mina with 62 Buildings to Host Over 15,000 Pilgrims
The Minister of Hajj has inaugurated the Rabigh Qadeena project in Mina — a 33,000 m² development comprising 62 buildings capable of housing more than 15,000 pilgrims, with a full 10-tower complex expanding that capacity to approximately 30,000.
Entry to Makkah Banned for Those Without Hajj Permit Ahead of Hajj 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Security has announced that entry restrictions into Makkah will come into force from Monday, April 13, 2026 — corresponding to 25 Shawwal 1447 AH — with no entry permitted without a Hajj permit, Makkah residency ID, or Makkah work permit.
Saudia Airlines Now Uses Google Find Hub To Track Baggage
Saudia integrates Google Find Hub so travelers can securely share bag location to speed up recovery of delayed luggage, with full privacy control.
Imam of Masjid al-Haram Sheikh Badr Al-Turki Arrives in Tanzania for First Official Visit
Sheikh Badr Al-Turki, Imam of Masjid al-Haram, has arrived in Tanzania for his first official visit, where he will preside over the International Quran Memorization Competition and lead several da’wah initiatives.
Makkah To Get Its Own Airport, Plan Approved by Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has officially approved plans for an international airport in Makkah al-Mukarramah — the first in the holy city’s history. RCMC CEO Eng. Saleh Al-Rasheed confirmed the announcement in Harvard Business Review Arabia, stating that feasibility studies have been completed and strategic directions approved. Here’s everything we know so far.
Hajj 2026: Umrah Will Be Only Open for Saudi Citizens From April 18 to May 2
Saudi citizens will have a dedicated window to perform Umrah at Masjid al-Haram from 1 Dhul Qi’dah to 15 Dhul Qi’dah 1447 AH — corresponding to April 18 to May 2, 2026 — with the Grand Mosque expected to be significantly less crowd.
Over 9 Million Iftar Meals Served at Masjid an-Nabawi During Ramadan 2026
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques served 9,015,322 free Iftar meals to worshippers and visitors at Masjid an-Nabawi throughout Ramadan 1447 AH.
Ramadan 2026: Over 1.68 Million International Umrah Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recorded over 1.68 million international Umrah pilgrims during Ramadan 2026, with more than 153,000 services delivered across 30 Nusuk Care centres and over 21,500 field inspections conducted to ensure service quality.
Masjid al-Haram Deploys 240 Staff Under “Ask Me” Initiative to Guide Pilgrims
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has deployed 240 male and female staff across the courtyards of Masjid al-Haram under the “Ask Me” initiative, providing on-ground guidance, crowd management, and support for worshippers and Umrah pilgrims.
Sheikh Salah Al-Budair to Lead Eid al-Fitr 2026 Prayer at Masjid an-Nabawi
Sheikh Dr. Salah bin Muhammad Al-Budair has been appointed to lead the Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH prayer at Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 6:40 AM.
Sheikh Usaamah Khayyat to Lead Eid al-Fitr 2026 Prayer at Masjid al-Haram
Sheikh Usaamah Khayyat has been appointed to lead the Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH prayer at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah on Friday, March 20, 2026.