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The Latest Breaking News from Mecca

Hajj pilgrims battle Mecca's scorching heat with ice cream and giant fans

More than a million worshippers gathered in Mecca on Monday for the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Islam's holiest city, but the harsh heat has been brutal for many attendees. This week’s daytime temperatures will hover between 42 and 47 degrees Celsius, according to Saudi Arabian officials, and some pilgrims…

France 24

Despite Middle East war, foreign pilgrims flock to Mecca for Hajj

Despite the war in the Middle East, foreign pilgrims have flocked to Mecca to participate in this year’s Hajj. According to officials, more than 1.5 million have already arrived in Saudi Arabia, surpassing last year’s numbers.

France 24

Photos of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca

Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, as heightened regional tensions linked to the war involving Iran cast a shadow over this year’s gathering at Islam’s holiest sites in Saudi Arabia.

The Independent UK

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Saudi Arabia to resume Umrah visa services from May 31; announces 2026-27 pilgrimage dates

Saudi Arabia has unveiled the Umrah calendar for the 2026-27 season, resuming visa issuance on May 31, 2026. Pilgrims can enter Mecca from June 1, 2026, with visa issuance closing on March 9, 2027, and final departures set for April 7, 2027. Permits are mandatory via the Nusuk app for…

The Economic Times

US issues travel warnings for Middle East ahead of Trump’s Iran war deadline

President has warned of attacks on Iranian infrastructure starting at 8 pm ET on Tuesday

The Independent UK

Pilgrims may soon fly directly to Mecca as airport plans take off

Plans for a new airport and metro system aim to improve access for the many pilgrims that visit Mecca annually, and ease travel within the holy city.

Euronews

Watch viral video: Clever pigeon hacks water sensor to drink Zamzam in Mecca

A video from Mecca shows a pigeon cleverly using its body to activate a Zamzam water cooler. The bird then drinks the sacred water, delighting worshippers. This unusual moment has gone viral online. Pigeons are a common sight in Mecca but this interaction with technology has sparked widespread admiration and…

The Times of India

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7 Historic Empires Richer Than the Mughals You Probably Didn’t Learn About

When history recalls the wealthiest empires of the world, the Mughal Empire often features prominently for its opulent courts, monumental architecture, and dominance in the Indian subcontinent. At its peak around the 17th century, the Mughal Empire controlled about 24 % of the world’s economy, making it one of the…

Times Life

Mecca museum unveils legendary Blue Quran: Viral pictures of 1,100-year-old masterpiece with Surah Al-Baqarah verses break the Internet

The Holy Quran Museum in Mecca has unveiled a rare folio from the legendary ‘Blue Quran’, a 9th-century manuscript renowned for its deep blue parchment and gold ink. This significant exhibit highlights the rich history of Islamic calligraphy and manuscript art, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's role in safeguarding global religious heritage.

The Times of India

Makkah hailstorm alert: Heavy rain and strong winds forecast across Saudi Arabia

The National Center for Meteorology issued an urgent alert for Makkah, forecasting intense winter storms with moderate to heavy thunderstorms, hail, and 60 km/h winds. Flash flood risks are high in valleys and low-lying areas, with rough seas expected along the Red Sea coast. Authorities urge extreme caution, especially for…

The Times of India

Epstein Files: 3 sacred pieces of Kaaba cloth, Kiswa, shipped from Saudi Arabia's Mecca via UAE contacts to Jeffrey Epstein in US Virgin Islands

Shocking Epstein Files reveal three sacred Kiswa pieces from Makkah's Kaaba were shipped to the convicted sex offender in 2017. Arranged via UAE-linked contacts, the sacred cloth, described as 'artwork' for customs, has sparked outrage and debate over religious respect and the handling of holy artefacts. The motive behind the…

The Times of India

Hailey Bieber’s Rhode Beauty Is Finally Coming To Australia: ‘Worst Kept Secret’

Yes, Hailey Bieber's Rhode will finally be available in Australia, with the viral beauty brand landing in Mecca stores in February.

Pedestrian.tv

Mecca Bingo owner Rank sees boss retire after nearly eight years at the helm

Chief executive John O’Reilly will step down on January 29 and be replaced on an interim basis by chief financial officer Richard Harris.

Evening Standard

Victim List Reveals Many Mecca–Medina Pilgrims Travelled Through Two Hyderabad Agencies

A victim list has revealed that most pilgrims feared lost in the Mecca–Medina bus crash had booked through just two Hyderabad agencies: Makkah Travels and Flyzone Travels.

International Business Times UK

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Axios

Immigration raids paralyze key California farm region as workers stay home

Fear from raids are overwhelming food banks, churches and housing,

The Independent UK

Spanish Muslims retrace ancient Hajj travel route on horseback from Andalusia to Saudi Arabia

Three Spanish Muslims who rode on horseback to the Hajj in Saudi Arabia say they followed a path not traveled for more than 500 years

The Independent UK

AP PHOTOS: Millions of Muslims embark on the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca

The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia has begun. It’s required once in a lifetime by every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it. The Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, occurs once a year during the lunar month of Dhul-Hijja,…

The Conversation

UK brands are celebrating Eid – here’s what makes an effective and inclusive campaign

In the run-up to Eid al-Adha – a major Muslim festival that celebrates the prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and coincides with the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca – UK retailers are joining the celebrations.

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Euronews

Fragrance-free toiletries and lots of snacks: The ultimate packing list for the Hajj pilgrimage

The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims, can often fall during one of the hottest periods of the year.

The Independent UK

The 45-page guide to staying safe at the Hajj this year

Saudi authorities have published a 45-page safety kit in eight languages

Euronews

Saudi Arabia tackles sweltering heat as Muslim pilgrims embark on Hajj journey

Each year, Muslim pilgrims embark on the spiritual journey of Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Al Jazeera

The water of Hajj: A simple illustrated guide to Zamzam

The wellspring in Mecca is believed to have flowed for more than 4,000 years and still nourishes pilgrims to this day.

The Independent UK

No kids, excess heat and payment plans. What to know about Hajj 2025

Muslims from around the world are in the Saudi city of Mecca for the Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam

The Independent UK

How Saudi Arabia plans to avoid repeat of last year’s record Hajj deaths as temperature again hits 50C

Authorities will ask pilgrims to wear health trackers and fine unregistered visitors

The Independent UK

Drones used to surveil Hajj participants as 269,000 barred from Mecca

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