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.
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.
Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers has approved a decision to bear all taxes and customs fees on live livestock shipments from 1 Dhul Qi’dah 1447 AH — April 18, 2026 — through the end of Hajj season 1447 AH.
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.