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EXPLAINED: Hajj - The Real Truth

Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Hajj route treasure: 1,200-year-old Abbasid-era gold, silver gemstone-studded jewellery shock archaeologists

A significant archaeological find in Saudi Arabia's Al-Qassim region has unearthed a ceramic jar containing over 100 pieces of gold, silver, and gemstone jewelry. This "Diriyah Treasure," dating back to the early Abbasid period over 1,200 years ago, was discovered along an ancient pilgrimage route, offering a rare glimpse into…

The Economic Times

Over 100 pieces of Abbasid-era gold jewellery discovered at Saudi Arabia's Diriyah archaeological site

Archaeologists excavating the ancient site of Diriyah in Saudi Arabia's Al-Qassim region have made one of the most dazzling discoveries in recent Middle Eastern archaeology: a ceramic jar packed with over 100 pieces of gold, silver, and gemstone-encrusted jewellery buried more than 1,200 years ago. Dubbed the "Diriyah Treasure" by…

The Times of India

Minority affairs ministry plans major AI rollout

The minority affairs ministry is integrating artificial intelligence into its services. AI chatbots and voice solutions will soon support citizens in multiple languages. These advancements aim to streamline applications, improve Hajj pilgrim support, and boost employment for minority youth.

The Economic Times

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Sadiq Khan unveils new buzz cut hairstyle at SXSW London

London’s mayor shaved off his neatly coiffed grey hair for Hajj

Evening Standard

Hajj flight redirected for Ahamedabad stopover due to Srinagar airport restrictions, baggage curbs for returning pilgrims

Due to payload restrictions at Srinagar Airport, Hajj pilgrims will experience adjustments to their baggage allowances. Akasa Air flights will now include a stopover in Ahmedabad for return trips, where passengers can check in 35 kg of baggage to Ahmedabad and carry only 5 kg on their Srinagar flight, with…

The Economic Times

UK urges Hajj pilgrims to leave Saudi Arabia before visa expiry, warns overstaying can lead to heavy fines

The UK government has reminded British pilgrims returning from Hajj to comply with Saudi visa regulations and leave the country within the permitted timeframe.

The Times of India

Hajj travel becomes costlier for pilgrims as Iran-US war disrupts Gulf air routes

Pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia for Hajj face higher travel costs. Airfares and packages have risen significantly due to increased fuel prices and air traffic disruptions. This impacts millions preparing for the religious obligation. Saudi Arabia's economy relies on religious tourism, with ongoing investments to enhance the pilgrim experience.

The Economic Times

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Global heating is making hajj ever more dangerous, report finds

Rising heat in Saudi Arabia threatens millions of Muslim pilgrims – but cutting fossil fuels would keep it safer

The Guardian - UK

Muslim pilgrims perform Hajj rituals under intense heat as Eid al-Adha celebrations start

Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia threw pebbles at a large pillar in a symbolic ritual during the final days of Hajj

The Independent UK

Kaaba and Kiswah explained: What lies inside Islam’s holiest site

As the annual Hajj pilgrimage began on Monday, more than 1.5 million Muslims from around the world gathered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the sacred journey that forms one of the five pillars of Islam.

The Times of India

Saudi Arabia: More than 1.5 million pilgrims perform stoning ritual in Mina

More than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims gathered in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on 27 May to perform the symbolic stoning ritual that marks a key stage of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Euronews

Eid al-Adha 2026: When is Eid al-Adha 2026? Why Muslims celebrate two Eid holidays every year across the globe

Muslims worldwide are observing Dhul Hijjah, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, which began on May 18, 2026. The month culminates in Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, celebrated on May 27, honoring Prophet Abraham's devotion and coinciding with the Hajj pilgrimage.

The Economic Times

Muslim worshippers defy blistering heat for Hajj pilgrimage at Mount Arafat

More than 1.7 million Muslims gathered for this year's climax of the hajj pilgrimage, enduring scorching desert heat on Tuesday to fulfill a lifelong religious duty. Pilgrims prayed under temperatures topping 44°C, while Saudi authorities deployed extensive heat measures after last year’s deadly conditions.

France 24

Muslim pilgrims converge on Arafat for prayers and worship as Hajj reaches its peak

Muslim pilgrims have gathered on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for the second day of Hajj, considered the pinnacle of the annual pilgrimage

The Independent UK

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Euronews

Saudi Arabia: Hajj 2026 reaches its spiritual peak as millions of Muslim pilgrims gather

Saudi Arabia entered the most significant stage of the 2026 hajj on 26 May as millions of pilgrims dressed in white gathered at Mount Arafat near Mecca and circled the Kaaba inside the Grand Mosque.

Euronews

More than 1.5m Muslim pilgrims begin hajj as Iran peace deal hangs in the balance

Despite the uncertainty triggered by the Iran war, Saudi officials noted over the weekend that more pilgrims had travelled from abroad to participate in this year’s hajj than in 2025.

The Conversation

The sacred cloth at the center of the Hajj pilgrimage

As Muslims gather for the annual pilgrimage of Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, they will circle around the “Kaaba,” a black cube draped in gold-embroidered cloth. A ceremonial textile – known as the “kiswah” – covers the Kaaba, around which Muslims will walk seven times in a ritual known as…

AAP

Muslims begin Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca amid war threat

The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, has begun with more than 1.5 million pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia from outside the nation.

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The Economic Times

Pilgrims kick off hajj as war's trajectory hangs in the balance

Over 1.5 million Muslims have converged in Mecca for the annual hajj pilgrimage. This significant religious event unfolds against a backdrop of regional conflict and hopes for peace. Pilgrims from across the globe are participating, with Saudi Arabia enhancing security measures. The hajj rituals are underway, drawing worshippers to holy…

The Independent UK

Muslims begin the annual Hajj in sweltering heat against a backdrop of war concerns

The annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, has begun

France 24

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…

The Independent UK

Fueled by faith, some US Muslims embark on Hajj against a backdrop of regional tensions

U.S. Muslim pilgrims have been preparing for this year's Hajj against the backdrop of a tenuous ceasefire, tensions and uncertainty in the Iran war

The Independent UK

A look at the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha and their significance to Muslims around the world

Large numbers of Muslims converge once a year in Saudi Arabia to unite in a series of religious rituals and acts of worship as they perform the Hajj, the pilgrimage that is one of the pillars of Islam

The Economic Times

Centre launches short Hajj package to cut pilgrimage duration to around 20 days

A new short Hajj package is now available for Indian pilgrims. This initiative allows professionals to complete their pilgrimage in about 20 days. Previously, the Hajj required 40 to 45 days. Around 10,000 pilgrims will benefit from this scheme. The first flight departs from Kochi on May 17. This makes…

The Times of India

Saudi Arabia tightens Hajj 2026 rules; violators may face SAR20,000 fine, deportation and 10-year entry ban

Saudi Arabia has implemented stringent new penalties, including hefty fines and deportation for foreign residents, for attempting to perform Hajj without an official permit. These measures aim to enhance pilgrim safety and manage overcrowding during the annual pilgrimage, with strict enforcement beginning from Dhu Al Qi'dah.

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