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.
Amid Rising Heat, Hajj Becomes Test of Endurance for Pilgrims and Saudi Arabia The New York Times
Saudi Arabia Bans Over 250,000 People From Mecca During Hajj Pilgrimage Newsweek
Muslims make their way to Mina during hajj pilgrimage from the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia Reuters
Millions of Muslims gather for Hajj: See the 2025 pilgrimage to Mecca USA Today
Video. Pilgrims begin Hajj in Mecca amid heat and new restrictions Euronews.com
Pilgrims gather in Saudi Arabia for Hajj Al Jazeera