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.
Makkah Police Arrest Four Residents, Citizen for Promoting Fake Hajj Services وكالة الأنباء السعودية
2026 Hajj: First batches of pilgrims from Turkiye, Pakistan arrive Saudi Arabia MSN
2026 Hajj: First batches of pilgrims from Turkiye, Pakistan arrive Saudi Arabia MSN
1,714 Kwara pilgrims to perform 2026 Hajj, board confirms MSN
SAUDI ARABIA – ASIA – ISLAM Faith stronger than the (fear of) war: Asian Muslims prepare for Hajj AsiaNews
4 residents and a citizen arrested in Makkah for posting fake Hajj service ads Saudi Gazette