Commander of 1979 Makkah Grand Mosque Siege Dies at 86
Faleh bin Mohammed Al-Dhahiri, then a brigadier general, led the operation that ended the 1979 Makkah siege.
September 11–12, 2026: Quran Memory Review Program at Masjid an-Nabawi
Three tracks let hafiz reviewers refresh their memorization at Masjid an-Nabawi this Rabi’ al-Awwal.
Hajj 2027: Health Certificates Now Mandatory for Hajj Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah requires health clearance certificates through Nusuk Masar before Hajj 2027 visas are issued.
Jeddah Airport Reaches ACI Level 4 in Customer Experience
King Abdulaziz International Airport earns Level 4 in ACI’s five-stage customer experience accreditation programme.
Madinah Approves Daily Opening of Women’s Prayer Halls in All Mosques
Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh approves daily women’s musallas in all Madinah mosques.
Quba Mosque Sets 10 Rules for Wedding Ceremonies
Al Madinah Region Development Authority limits guests, timing and photography for nikah ceremonies inside Quba Mosque.
Sheikh Al-Sudais Warns Against Mawlid Celebrations
Masjid al-Haram imam says celebrating the Prophet’s birthday has no basis in Islam and copies Christian practices.
Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman Muhammad and Algeria’s Jumana Shraitiyah Wins 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition
Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman Muhammad and Algeria’s Jumana Shraitiyah won the top prizes at the King Abdulaziz Quran Competition in Makkah.
Nusuk App Adds Live Crowd Levels for Tawaaf and Sa’ee
New Nusuk features help pilgrims track worship, check crowd levels, and book travel.
Makkah Deploys AI Robots at 46th Quran Competition
Ministry of Islamic Affairs uses robots and AI to guide visitors in over 90 languages at Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque).
Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Launches Contest for Best Pilgrim Umbrella
Ministry invites designers to create lightweight, sun-safe umbrellas for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Masjid an-Nabawi Produces 5 New Quran Memorizers Every Day
Prince Salman bin Sultan visited teaching programs reaching 80,000 students daily in 170 nationalities.
Masjid an-Nabawi Quran Teacher Sheikh Hassouna Dies
Prominent reciter taught at Masjid an-Nabawi, funeral prayer offered at the Prophet’s Mosque.
Mobile Religious Services Center Launched at Masjid an-Nabawi
New unit brings on-the-spot guidance, Q&A and multilingual materials to worshippers at Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque).
Saudi Arabia Launches One-Year Multiple-Entry Umrah Visa
New visa lets pilgrims enter Saudi Arabia repeatedly over 365 days, with up to 90 days total stay.