Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 5 Nov 2026, 8:32 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 authorities completed 47 hours of Ka'bah maintenance and raised the Kiswa on April 18 with a team of 34 craftsmen, alongside Maqam Ibrahim beautification and 230+ cameras at Miqat stations.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has ordered full mobilisation of security and operational plans for Hajj 2026, with new electronic monitoring, 230+ surveillance cameras, and mandatory Nusuk smart cards.
Saudi authorities have completed 4,700 man-hours of maintenance on the Ka'bah and Maqam Ibrahim, including marble restoration and expansion joint replacement, ahead of Hajj 2026.
Indonesia urges umrah pilgrims to avoid Malaysia, Singapore transit flights to Mecca Sinar Daily
Best photos of October 27: Israelis voting in national elections to Muslims performing Umrah in Makkah The National
Deputy Minister Confirms Safe Conditions in Saudi Arabia for Umrah Kompas.com
Indian Consulate General in Saudi Arabia updates Ch. Ramzan MP on Kashmiri Umrah pilgrims JK News Today
Flight Disruptions Leave 4,000 Indian Umrah Pilgrims Stranded In Makkah, Seek Govt Help TimelineDaily
Indonesia’s US$533 million Makkah deal paves way for 6,000 additional hotel rooms Hotelier Middle East