1,200-year-old gold hoard discovered in Saudi Arabia may have been buried by a medieval pilgrim
Deep beneath the ancient streets of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, archaeologists have uncovered a clay jar packed with gold jewelry, silver, and gemstones—a hoard likely hidden by an Islamic pilgrim traveling to Mecca over 1,200 years ago. The stunning find, dubbed the "Diriyah Treasure," dates to the Abbasid era and offers a rare glimpse into the personal wealth and perilous journeys of those who made the Hajj. But who buried this treasure, and why was it never reclaimed?
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Islamic Tourism Centre called to set pricing framework, minimum service standard for umrah packages
Malaysia’s tourism minister has ordered a crackdown on opaque pricing and subpar service in the umrah travel industry, demanding clear minimum standards to protect both consumers and ethical operators. With global competition for Muslim travellers intensifying, the move signals a push to safeguard Malaysia’s reputation as a top destination while cracking down on illegal tour operators and unlicensed guides.
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Work officially begins on massive new Saudi mega project designed to hold 900,000 worshippers
King Salman Gate will be open to Muslims worldwide and aligns with Saudi rules on real estate ownership by non-Saudis
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UAE to further improve Hajj services for Emirati pilgrims; Sheikh Mohamed reviews plans
The UAE is rolling out ambitious new plans to transform the Hajj experience for its pilgrims, with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally reviewing enhanced services and expanded support systems. From smoother departures to safer returns, these initiatives aim to ensure every Emirati can perform the pilgrimage with greater ease and peace of mind. Discover how the nation is redefining its commitment to pilgrim welfare for the upcoming seasons.
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Indonesia reviews 2026 Hajj services to improve pilgrim care
Indonesia’s Hajj minister has unveiled a series of reforms that made this year’s pilgrimage fairer and more affordable, including a new quota system and cost cuts—but he warns that high death rates and logistical failures in Mina still demand urgent action. With nearly 350 pilgrims lost and healthcare gaps exposed, officials are racing to strengthen health screenings and overhaul services before the next season.
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Rare Qur'anic treasures on display in Jeddah
For centuries, pilgrims crossed the Red Sea by ship to reach Makkah—and a new exhibition in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district reveals the sacred artifacts that accompanied them. From a rare 1506 manuscript of the Two Holy Mosques to intricately decorated Qur’ans from China, Kashmir, and the Ottoman Empire, the Red Sea Museum’s pavilion uncovers a forgotten maritime pilgrimage tradition. Discover how faith, craftsmanship, and the sea converge in one of the world’s most significant spiritual routes.
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Bangladesh Hajj pre-registration surpasses 50,000 in 51 days
Efforts are underway to bring down the costs of Hajj to a more reasonable level, Advisor Rizwana Hasan says
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Saudi Arabia Introduces New Changes to Temporary Work Visas for Hajj & Umrah Services
In a bid to provide more flexibility for the private sector, Saudi Arabia will update regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services.
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Hilton in deal to bring Waldorf Astoria brand to Makkah
Saudi-based Taiba Investments has teamed up with hospitality major Hilton to bring its iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels brand to Madinah. The new property, Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah, boasts over 300 rooms and suites along with other key amenites.
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From 35,000 to 3,500: High costs, economic woes cut Hajj aspirations in J-K
Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee has received only 3578 applications, with last year's total at 8,147 against a quota of 8,200.
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NAHCON: Saudi Arabia will take charge of feeding, accommodation of pilgrims from 2025
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says Saudi Arabia authorities will take over the feeding and accommodation of pilgrims in Makkah and Medina starting from Hajj 2025.
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Saudi Arabia urges vulnerable groups to postpone pilgrimage
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah issued a stricter health advisory for Haj pilgrims planning to undertake the annual pilgrimage in 2025. It recommended only healthy and physically fit individuals perform the pilgrimage as the arduous and strenuous pilgrimage involves walking up to 25km in a day in the extreme summer heat of Saudi Arabia.
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