Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 5 May 2026, 2:24 AM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia enforces fines up to SAR 100,000 for Hajj facilitators and SAR 20,000 for unauthorised pilgrims, plus deportation and 10-year entry bans, targeting informal networks enabling illegal participation.
Hajj 2026 proceeds as scheduled despite the expiry of the US-Iran ceasefire. Saudi Arabia confirms advanced security with 1.8 million pilgrims expected. Trump indicates truce extension but no formal deal confirmed.
First Hajj 2026 pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia on April 18 from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Malaysia, with 3.1 million seats allocated across 12,000+ flights.
Saudi Arabia confirms Hajj 2026 will proceed as scheduled despite a fragile US-Iran ceasefire expiring as the first pilgrims arrive. Makkah and Madinah remain protected by advanced defence systems.
Saudi Arabia has made the Nusuk smart card mandatory for all Hajj 2026 pilgrims, combining personal, medical, and accommodation data. The Nusuk app has surpassed 51 million users with over 130 digital services.
The first international Hajj 2026 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Malaysia, with 3.1 million seats across 12,000 flights allocated for the season.
Saudi Arabia opens registration for domestic pilgrims for Hajj 2026 Saudi Gazette
Hajj 2026 registrations begin for Saudi nationals, residents; who can apply? Khaleej Times
Saudi Arabia Begins Hajj 2026 Visa Issuance for Pilgrims from All Nations Travel And Tour World
Saudi Arabia Begins Issuing Hajj 2026 Visas Early, Streamlining Pilgrimage with New Digital Tools and Early Processing for Smooth Travel Experience Travel And Tour World
Hajj and Umrah Ministry issues step-by-step visit guide for pilgrims in 16 languages Gulf News
Hajj Ministry issues' Umrah and Visit Guide' in 16 languages Saudi Gazette