Hajj News – Dates, Guidelines & Pilgrimage Updates

Saudi Arabia unveils 2026 Hajj safety plan for pilgrims

It involves military, civilian, medical and technical personnel

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A comprehensive operational plan is in place to support pilgrim safety and crowd management during the 2026 Hajj season.

Arafat sermon translated into 35 languages for Hajj

Initiative aims to reach non-Arabic speaking Muslims worldwide

Arafat sermon during Hajj would be translated into 35 languages and broadcast through digital platforms and affiliated channels to reach Muslims around the world.

UAE simulates Hajj emergencies, jabs all pilgrims

MoHAP's 'Healthy and Safe Hajj' campaign to shield pilgrims from departure to return

MoHAP's comprehensive healthcare system ensures continuous care for UAE pilgrims from departure to return.

Saudi Arabia upgrades Mecca roads for Hajj

Aim to improve mobility and reduce congestion for pilgrims

Saudi Arabia completed large-scale road and infrastructure upgrades in Mecca and the holy sites for the 2026 Hajj season as part of efforts to improve mobility and reduce congestion for pilgrims.

Gas cylinders, stoves banned at holy sites during Hajj

The ban aims to reduce fire risks during 2026 Hajj season

Saudi Arabia bans the entry and use of liquefied gas cylinders and stoves at pilgrim hospitality centres and government facilities within the holy sites during the Hajj season.

Political, sectarian slogans, flags banned during Hajj

No flags, no chants during the Hajj season

Saudi Arabia bans political, sectarian slogans during Hajj, tightens Mecca entry rules

Saudi deploys 22,000 staff for Hajj season

More than 13,000 cleaners and 3,000 vehicles mobilised for Hajj

The operational plan includes more than 3,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment to strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve service efficiency.

Saudi Arabia warns against fake Hajj permits

Ministry warned that violations of Hajj regulations could result in strict legal penalties

Pilgrims pray around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, in Mecca, during the Hajj.

860,000 pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj

240,000 pilgrims arrive through the Mecca Route Initiative

More than 860,000 foreign pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as the kingdom ramps up large-scale logistical, transport and digital operations ahead of the peak rituals in Mecca.

AI multilingual robot deployed at Two Holy Mosques

The Kingdom has increasingly expanded its use of advanced technologies during Hajj, Umrah

AI-powered multilingual robot launched at Mecca’s Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque to provide religious guidance, instant translations and smart services for pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia enhances Hajj access for elderly pilgrims

They include dedicated routes, wheelchairs, transport charts

The services include electric and manual wheelchairs, dedicated transport carts at specially designated routes to help pilgrims move around the mosque and its courtyards more easily.

Saudi mandates meningococcal vaccine for Hajj staff

The vaccine protects against infections during mass gatherings

Meningococcal vaccine protects against serious infections that can spread rapidly during mass gatherings and helps reduce transmission among workers and pilgrims. File photo

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