Mecca

A 30-year-old man from Riverside County faces attempted murder charges after allegedly shooting at another vehicle near Grapefruit Boulevard and 4th Street in Mecca on Friday. The incident occurred around 6:12 p.m., according to witnesses who reported it to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites awarded 13.3 billion riyals ($3.5 billion) in contracts for Mecca expansion projects, including residential, commercial, and hospitality developments. The initiative aims to triple Hajj and Umrah visitor numbers to over 30 million annually by 2030. A 6 billion riyal contract was awarded to a consortium of three local developers for sites adjacent to the Masar mixed-use project.

Rising heat in Saudi Arabia due to fossil fuel emissions is increasing dangerous temperatures during the Hajj pilgrimage, with 40C temperatures now occurring in May instead of just summer. A study warns that without reducing fossil fuels, the Hajj could face extreme heat year-round by the end of the century.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed feeling 'truly honoured and blessed' during his Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. The event highlights his religious commitment and personal reflection.

Thousands of Iranians traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage despite ongoing regional tensions. Tehran and Riyadh are working to ease diplomatic relations as pilgrims visit holy sites in Mecca and Medina.

Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing a grim Eid holiday due to the destruction of the livestock sector caused by the war and Israel's ban on live animal imports. Restrictions on border crossings also prevent pilgrimages to Mecca.

Muslim pilgrims have begun arriving in Mina, near Mecca, ahead of Arafah Day, a key part of the Hajj pilgrimage. The event marks a significant religious gathering for Muslims worldwide.

Millions of Muslims participate in the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, despite extreme summer heat. Authorities are using ice cream and giant fans to mitigate heatstroke risks among the massive crowds.

Over a million Hajj pilgrims in Mecca face extreme heat (42-47°C), leading to heatstroke, fainting, and cardiac arrest. Authorities report challenging conditions as attendees cope with ice cream and giant fans.

For the third consecutive year, Israel has blocked the Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims in Gaza, preventing them from participating as millions gather in Mecca.

Ongoing Iran conflict has increased Hajj pilgrimage costs due to reduced flights and disrupted supply routes, with travel packages rising three to four times. Several governments including Indonesia, Pakistan, and Malaysia are subsidizing the journey to protect their citizens, while India has added a $100 surcharge. The pilgrimage remains central to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic strategy.

Climate change is threatening the Hajj pilgrimage due to extreme heat, making the world's largest religious gathering increasingly dangerous. A study warns of the growing risks, highlighting the need for urgent action. The pilgrimage, which attracts millions of Muslims, is becoming a significant concern.

A Canadian terrorist who attacked a military recruitment service and stabbed a corporal has been granted permission to travel to Mecca and subsequently to Somalia to meet his arranged marriage bride. The case raises concerns about security and judicial decisions regarding high-risk individuals.