Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 4 May 2026, 5:35 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.
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.
Saudi Arabia launches world's largest cooling system as pilgrims gather for Hajj The National
20 years after embracing Islam, Uruguayan Muslim fulfills his Hajj dream in Makkah Arab News
Saudi Arabia removes 200,000 people from Mecca ahead of Hajj season—here's why Türkiye Today
Over a million Hajj pilgrims gather in Makkah amid soaring temperatures, tightened laws Khaleej Times
Mecca welcomes millions of pilgrims for Hajj amid sweltering heat | Daily Sabah Daily Sabah
7 tips for Hajj travellers, from pilgrims who have done it before Condé Nast Traveller Middle East