The Latest Breaking News from Mecca

Millions head to Mecca for huge hajj

MECCA, Saudi Arabia: Enormous crowds of worshippers thronged Islam’s holiest city on Friday for the biggest hajj pilgrimage in years, with more than two million expected to brave the scorching Saudi Arabian heat.

Bangkok Post · Jun 23, 2023

Watch live as thousands of pilgrims arrive at Mecca’s Grand Mosque ahead of Hajj

Watch live as thousands of pilgrims who arrived in Mecca ahead of the start of Hajj attend Friday prayer at Mecca’s Grand Mosque.

The Independent UK · Jun 23, 2023

Inflation and economic crises strain pilgrims in this year's Hajj, putting it out of reach for some

Global inflation over the past year has hiked prices for Islam's Hajj pilgrimage dramatically

The Independent UK · Jun 23, 2023

Four Hajj delegations leave besieged Gaza to Mecca

Thousands of pilgrims left from the Rafah crossing to Cairo’s airport and then to Mecca.

Al Jazeera · Jun 17, 2023

Which three current national capitals have hosted the Winter Olympics? The Saturday quiz

From Mussolini to Mecca, test your knowledge with the Saturday quiz

The Guardian - UK · Jun 17, 2023

After long waits, new pilgrims prepare for Hajj's return, the first major one since COVID-19

This year’s Hajj is a landmark: the first full pilgrimage after a daunting period of three years when the COVID-19 pandemic sharply reduced the scale of one of Islam’s holiest rites

The Independent UK · Jun 15, 2023

After long waits, new pilgrims prepare for return of Hajj, the first major one since COVID-19

This year’s Hajj is a landmark: the first full pilgrimage after a daunting period of three years when the COVID-19 pandemic sharply reduced the scale of one of Islam’s holiest rites

The Independent UK · Jun 15, 2023

First batch of Haj pilgrims leaves from Guntur

The first batch of Haj pilgrims started their pilgrimage from Guntur to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina

The Hindu · Jun 8, 2023

Direct Flights From Israel To Saudi Arabia Likely From June

Israel is working with Saudi Arabia to help its citizens who will undertake the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca next month

Zenger · May 22, 2023

Messi scandal spotlights Saudi ambitions to turn desert kingdom into tourist Mecca

Lionel Messi’s promotional trip to Saudi Arabia has kicked up a storm at his Qatari-owned football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), while also casting a spotlight on Riyadh’s efforts to showcase its heritage and lure foreign visitors. FRANCE 24 spoke to Gulf analyst Karim Sader about Saudi ambitions to turn the…

France 24 · May 4, 2023