Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 9 May 2026, 6:29 PM (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.
Kebbi pilgrims depart for 2026 Hajj exercise Tribune Online
Hajj pilgrims can travel within Saudi Arabia, carrying digital visitor ID, instead of passport Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia boosts Haramain high-speed rail capacity to 2.2 million seats for Hajj Gulf News
2026 Hajj: Gov Idris Bids Farewell to First Batch of Kebbi Pilgrims TVC News
Illegal Hajj Risks: Saudi Arabia Issues 10-Year Entry Ban Tempo.co English
Abu Dhabi urges pilgrims to prepare early for Hajj Gulf News