Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 9 May 2026, 1:17 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.
Hajj 2026: US-Israel-Iran war is making Muslim pilgrimage more expensive Khaleej Times
Hajj Pilgrims urged to reach Haram 30 m before Azan; Shuttle service guidelines issued The Nation (Pakistan )
Hajj 2026 pilgrims praise world-class lodging, catering, transport and digital facilities The Nation (Pakistan )
CSO Sets Up 2026 Hajj Media Monitoring Team Kogi Reports
First Sri Lankan Hajj pilgrim group of 2026 departs for Jeddah Ada Derana
First Batch of 2026 Hajj pilgrims departs Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka