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.
Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj activities Arab News
Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj activities Arab News
What are the rituals of Hajj? A step-by-step guide to the annual pilgrimage Al Arabiya English
Interior Ministry Says SAR20,000 Fine for Unauthorized Access to Makkah During Hajj وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Hajj 2025: 5 ways in which Saudi is revolutionising pilgrimage with AI, tech Gulf Business
Hajj 2025: 5 ways in which Saudi is revolutionising pilgrimage with AI, tech Gulf Business