Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 7 May 2026, 1:02 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.
Indonesia Considers Review of 2026 Hajj Amid Middle East War Tempo.co English
Tourism Ministry warns building owners in Makkah and Madinah against unlicensed pilgrim accommodation Saudi Gazette
Umrah season 2026: Closing dates announced Time Out Riyadh
Kano Receives 2026 Hajj Visas For Pilgrims To Saudi Arabia Amid Middle-East Tension Sahara Reporters
DPR: 2026 hajj pilgrimage must proceed despite Middle East tensions en.antaranews.com
Hajj minister inspects Makkah development projects Arab News