The holy valley of Mina transformed into one of the world’s largest temporary cities on Monday as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims began arriving for the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the official start of the core rituals of Hajj 2026. Located east of Mecca, Mina rapidly evolved from a quiet valley into a highly coordinated […]
Rare Sun Alignment Above Kaaba on Day of Arafat After 33 Years
A rare astronomical event is set to coincide with one of Islam’s holiest days this year as the sun will align directly above the Kaaba on the Day of Arafat, a phenomenon astronomers say occurs only once every 33 years. According to astronomers and Saudi officials, the alignment will take place at noon on May […]
More Pilgrims Arrive for Hajj 2026 Than 2025 Despite Gulf Conflict
Saudi Arabia has received more than 1.5 million pilgrims from abroad ahead of Hajj 2026, Saudi officials said, as millions continue arriving despite months of regional instability and air travel disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. According to Saudi authorities, the number of international pilgrims has already exceeded last year’s foreign arrivals before the […]
Zil Hajj Moon Sighted in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Eid ul Adha on May 27
Pakistan will celebrate Eid ul Adha on May 27 after authorities sighted the Zil Hajj moon across different parts of the country on Sunday. Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad announced the decision after the committee meeting in Karachi. The committee held its session at the Pakistan Meteorological Department headquarters. Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committees […]
Saudi Arabia Launches AI Translation Services for Hajj Pilgrims
Saudi authorities have activated simultaneous translation services in 17 languages at Islam’s two holiest mosques as part of a broader digital transformation drive aimed at improving services for millions of pilgrims arriving for Hajj 2026. The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah announced the initiative […]
Saudi Arabia Introduces New Routes and Rules for Hajj 2026
Saudi Ministry of Interior has issued a detailed guide for Hajj 2026 aimed at improving safety, crowd management and movement of pilgrims during the annual Islamic pilgrimage in Makkah. Saudi authorities said the new guidelines seek to provide “a safe, organized, and calm environment for the guests of the Most Gracious” so pilgrims can perform […]
Saudi Arabia Launches Massive Digital Upgrade for Hajj 2026
Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has unveiled a major digital expansion for Hajj 2026, introducing hundreds of online services aimed at simplifying pilgrimage arrangements for millions of Muslims, including pilgrims from Pakistan. The ministry announced that its “Electronic Track” platform now provides more than 250 digital services covering accommodation, transportation, catering and pilgrimage management. […]
Under-15 Ban Scrapped: What It Means for Hajj 2026 Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has withdrawn the 15-year age restriction on Hajj pilgrims and restored its earlier policy, allowing children aged 12 and above to perform the pilgrimage, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Saturday. The Saudi government reversed the rule just days before it was due to take effect on May 3. Officials confirmed that […]
Pakistan Nears Hajj 2026 as Training and Arrangements Reach Final Phase
Pakistan is stepping up preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage of 2026, with officials saying arrangements are now in the final stages ahead of the annual Islamic journey to Saudi Arabia. Authorities have completed training for pilgrims in cities across the country as logistical coordination advances between Islamabad and Riyadh. This progress comes as the government […]