Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 10 May 2026, 1:12 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia restricted entry to Makkah from 13 April 2026 to Hajj permit holders only and suspended Umrah permits from 18 April to 31 May 2026 as the Kingdom prepares for the Hajj pilgrimage beginning around 25 May.
Saudi Arabia has imposed fines of up to SAR 100,000 for facilitating unauthorised Hajj and up to SAR 20,000 for pilgrims performing Hajj without a permit, alongside 10-year re-entry bans for violators.
Hajj 2026: Edo steps up upload of pilgrims’ data The Nigerian Observer
Hi-Tech Hajj 2026: In A First, Haj Committee Of India Deploys Over 1.2 Lakh Smartwatches For Pilgrims' Safety ETV Bharat
Minister says Pakistan’s Hajj 2026 policy ‘effective,’ in line with Saudi guidelines Arab News
Pakistan seeks increase in Hajj quota in line with population Arab News
Hajj 2026: How pilgrims can choose their preferred service packages Gulf Business
Hajj 2026: How pilgrims can choose their preferred service packages Gulf Business