Mecca

Mecca defense signees converging to discuss Houthi threat after Baghaei warns of escalation

The meeting comes a day after Iranian FM Esmail Baghaei said he hoped a “rumor” that Pakistan had deployed troops to Saudi Arabia was untrue, warning that intervention would complicate the situation.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by their ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence, pose after signing a joint defense agreement in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, August 7, 2026.
Iran-aligned Houthi fighters occupy a firing position in a screengrab from a video said to show Houthi fighters attacking Saudi-backed forces in the location given by the source as al Jawf governorate, Yemen.

Houthi Red Sea advance, drone strikes leave Saudi Arabia isolated in major conflict - analysis

Muslims perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, September 14, 2026.

Even an attack on Mecca isn't enough to unite the Middle East against Iran, analyst tells 'Post'

A model of a Saudi Royal Air Force F-15 fighter jet is seen during the Dubai Airshow on November 12, 2017, in the United Arab Emirates; illustrative.

Houthis downed Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib, Yemen, terror group spox. claims


Saudi Arabia says COVID-19 vaccination required for 2021 haj

"The COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory for those willing to come to the haj and will be one of the main conditions (for receiving a permit to come)," the report said.

Muslims pray at the Grand Mosque during the annual Haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 6, 2019

Umrah pilgrims return to a Mecca stilled by COVID-19 slump

Before the pandemic, more than 1,300 hotels and hundreds of stores buzzed around the clock to cater to pilgrims visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

General view of Kaaba at empty Grand Mosque, as a preventive measure against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), during the holy month of Ramadan, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia May 7, 2020

Sermon suggests Saudi Arabia near normalizing ties with Israel

According to Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, the imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the prophet was so good to his Jewish neighbor that the latter converted to Islam.

Muslim pilgrims maintain social distancing as they circle the Kaaba at the Grand mosque during the annual Haj pilgrimage amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia July 29, 2020

Thousands of Iranians register for, plan to attend hajj amid coronavirus

Considering that Saudi Arabia has not officially announced its position on this year's hajj, registration and selections have gone on as they had in previous years.

General view of Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, which is almost empty of worshippers, after Saudi authority suspended umrah amid the fear of coronavirus outbreak, at Muslim holy city of Mecca

In shadow of coronavirus, Muslims face a Ramadan like never before

The holiest month in the Islamic calendar is usually one of community, reflection, charity and prayer.

Muslim women stand as they pray after eating their iftar (breaking fast) meal during the holy month of Ramadan

Saudi Arabia suspends entry of Mecca pilgrims amid coronavirus spread

Umrah Visits to Mecca After first case of corona is found in Baghdad, Saudi Arabia suspends entry of pilgrims amid spread of virus.

Hajj crowds in Mecca 465 Gallery 6

Saudi Arabia orders arrest of female rapper who produced 'Mecca Girl'

"Our respect to other girls but the Mecca girl is sugar candy," Slay sings in the video, rapping about women who reside in the city of Mecca.

Muslims pray at the Grand Mosque during the annual Haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 6, 2019

Muslim pilgrims descend on Mecca for haj, Saudis warn against politics

Saudi Arabia stakes its reputation on its guardianship of Islam's holiest sites and organizing a peaceful haj, which has been marred in the past by deadly stampedes, fires and riots.

Muslims pray at the Grand Mosque during the annual Haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 6, 2019

Don't count your chickens: Israel to experience poultry shortage

As Muslim workers are to be absent on Eid al-Adha, several slaughterhouses are to be shut down

Chicken

COGAT prepares for thousands of Palestinians on Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca

“To the pilgrims, and to the entire Muslim world, we wish a blessed Hajj," COGAT's head, Maj.-Gen. Kamil Abu Rukun, said.

Palestinians travel through a crossing monitored by COGAT on umrah, the pilgrimage to Mecca for Hajj