Hajj 2026: Trolley Bags Banned for Mina During Hajj
Pilgrims must leave extra luggage behind as officials enforce a strict one-bag rule for the journey to Mina.
Fact-Check: Were Hajj Pilgrims Sent Back Over Henna (Mehendi) Biometric Issue? No.
A false claim is circulating on social media saying women arriving at Madinah airport for Hajj were turned away because henna on their hands blocked fingerprint scans. This is not true.
Hajj 2026: Mina Gets 7,838 Toilets Across 79 Two-Story Complexes
Saudi Arabia completes the second phase of its Mina sanitation overhaul, cutting wait times by 75% ahead of this year’s pilgrimage.
Arabic Teaching Program Launches at Masjid al-Haram
New training helps teachers at Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) teach Arabic to non-native speakers.
Saudi Arabia Grants Up to 15 Days Paid Hajj Leave for First-Time Pilgrims
Workers must complete two years of service to qualify under Saudi Labour Law.
Hajj Will No Longer Fall in Summer for the Next 25 Years
Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology says 2026 opens a new seasonal phase for the pilgrimage.
Hajj 2026: 10-Year Jail and SAR 10 Million Fine for Food Violations During Hajj
Food businesses operating without license during the Hajj season face prison, heavy fines, and immediate shutdown.
Hajj 2026: Saudi Arabia Introduces Electronic Pilgrim Tracking System for Hajj
For the first time this year, new digital systems will monitor pilgrim movement in and out of the Mina camps.
Hajj 2026: Saudi Arabia Completes Miqat Preparations for Hajj
Entry point sites upgraded with expanded prayer areas, new water systems, 230+ cameras, and enhanced facilities for pilgrims.
Pakistani Family Serves Tea and Coffee to Masjid an-Nabawi Visitors for 70 Years
A Pakistani family originally from Sindh province has been serving tea, coffee, and food to visitors of Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah for 70 years — a tradition started by the grandfather and now carried on by the third generation.
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.