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.
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Five historical and cultural sites for Hajj pilgrims to visit in Makkah The National
Hajj 2026: CSO constitutes Media Monitoring team | theeagleonline.com.ng
Hajj 2026 pilgrims praise world-class lodging, catering, transport and digital facilities | Associated Press Of Pakistan
2026 Hajj: Bauchi, Plateau To Begin Airlift Of Pilgrims May 5, 7 LEADERSHIP Newspapers
Visit visas do not permit Hajj, S/Arabia warns illegal pilgrims Daily Trust