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.
Kuching Man Loses RM415,000 To Hajj Permit, Makkah Hotel Scam Bernama
Kuching Man Loses RM415,000 To Hajj Permit, Makkah Hotel Scam Bernama
Ghana Hajj advance team lands in Saudi Arabia, kicks off preparations for 2026 pilgrimage GhanaWeb
Ghana Hajj advance team lands in Saudi Arabia, kicks off preparations for 2026 pilgrimage GhanaWeb
Five Egyptians arrested for entering Makkah without a Hajj permit Saudi Gazette
KSA: Makkah Police arrest five residents for violating Hajj regulations Gulf Daily News