Mecca

Saudi Arabia executes two people for plotting attacks on places of worship

The two men also planned attacks against security facilities and personnel, Saudi state news agency SPA reported, citing a statement from the interior ministry.

 Saudi security forces train in preparation for the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, July 3, 2022.
 Muslims perform their evening prayers around the holy Kaaba as they start arriving to perform the annual Haj in the Grand Mosque, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2023.

Saudi authorities release Iranian cleric arrested for bad mouthing Kingdom, Sunnah

 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a joint press conference with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Tehran, Iran, February 25, 2025.

Tehran pushes for Saudi Arabia to release Iranian cleric who posted critical video

Muslim pilgrims take part in the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2024.

Hundreds reportedly died at this year's Hajj in Saudi Arabia


Iran's Khamenei politicizes Hajj again, calls for global dissociation from Israel

His statements of address during this year's Hajj echo his historical pattern of using the pilgrimage as a platform for political statements against Israel and the US.

Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba and pray at the Grand mosque ahead of annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 16, 2018

Fourteen Jordanians die during hajj in Saudi Arabia, some succumb to heat

Stampedes, tent fires, heat and other factors have caused hundreds of deaths at the event over the past 30 years.

Muslim pilgrims cast their stones at a pillar symbolising Satan, during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2024.

Syrian pilgrims regain ability to make Hajj thanks to improving relations with Saudi Arabia

Under the auspices of the kingdom's Crown Prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has played a leading role in Syria’s gradual reintegration into the regional fold.

 Muslims perform their evening prayers around the holy Kaaba as they start arriving to perform the annual Haj in the Grand Mosque, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2023.

Israel will have direct flights to Mecca by 2024, FM Cohen predicts

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government had hoped it could arrange for direct flights between the two countries, even in advance of the deal, but to date, those efforts have not borne fruit.

 Muslims perform their evening prayers around the holy Kaaba as they start arriving to perform the annual Haj in the Grand Mosque, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2023.

Saudi-Iran thaw improves haj services for Iranian pilgrims

Sayid Mahdi, who will be in charge of around 2,800 Iranian pilgrims that will perform haj next week, said Saudi Arabia has been more cooperative in finding hotels for Iranians this year.

 Muslims perform their evening prayers around the holy Kaaba as they start arriving to perform the annual Haj in the Grand Mosque, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2023.

Israel says it is discussing possible direct Haj flights to Saudi Arabia

Muslims from Israel and the Palestinian territories currently travel to Mecca through third-party countries, which can spell additional expense and bother.

 An airplane takes off from Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands June 16, 2022

Voices from the Arab press: Conspiracy theories won't stop Saudi reforms

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

 GLASS CUBE: Apple’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue, New York City.

On This Day: The Muslim conquest of Mecca in 630 CE

Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is home to Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world which has within it the Ka'ba toward which all Muslims pray.

Muslim pilgrims pray around the holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque ahead of the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca on September 21, 2015

Respect must go both ways in Israel-Middle East normalization - editorial

The incident in Mecca needs to be used for education. While Israel wants to have normal relations with the Islamic world, there is also much to learn about this new relationship.

 Saudi police officer stands guard as pilgrims arrive to perform their final Tawaf in the Grand Mosque, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, July 20, 2021.

Saudi who helped Israeli journalist enter Mecca arrested

The Saudi Public Prosecution is working to take necessary procedures against the Israeli journalist as well.

 Saudi police officer stands guard as pilgrims arrive to perform their final Tawaf in the Grand Mosque, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, July 20, 2021.

Jewish Channel 13 reporter sparks outrage after visiting Mecca

Israel's Regional Cooperation Minister Esawi Frej (Meretz), who is Muslim himself, called the incident "a stupid thing to do and take pride in."

Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba and pray at the Grand mosque ahead of annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 16, 2018