Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 3 May 2026, 5:23 PM (Saudi time)
Saudia has launched Hajj 2026 operations with 160 aircraft and over one million seats spanning 145 global destinations, as part of Saudi Arabia's total air transport plan of 3.1 million seats across 12,000 flights.
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.
Pilgrims’ rush shoots up Umrah package prices Arab News
6 Britons die in road accident after performing Umrah Arab News
Saudi considers limiting hajj pilgrims amid coronavirus fears Middle East Monitor
This Pandemic Isn’t the First Time the Hajj Has Been Disrupted for Muslims Smithsonian Magazine
GCC citizens temporarily banned from entering Saudi Arabia’s Makkah and Madinah arabnews.jp
Businesses in Makkah, Madinah expecting 40% losses from Umrah pilgrimage ban Arab News