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.
Security forces arrest Hajj permit violators Arab News
Saudi Arabia to ban children under 15 for hajj The Nation (Pakistan )
Pakistan allows Hajj pilgrims above 12 after Saudi Arabia reverses age restriction Arab News
Saudi Arabia bars under-15 pilgrims from Hajj Aaj English TV
Saudi Arabia sets minimum age for Haj pilgrims at 15 years News of Bahrain
Makkah bus guidance center facilitates 250 daily trips for pilgrims daily-sun.com