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 Arabia launches mobile passport counters for Hajj pilgrims Gulf News
Kenyan embassy in Riyadh warns of Saudi crackdown ahead of Hajj pilgrimage The Eastleigh Voice
Hajj 2026: Health conditions that may restrict permit approval Gulf Business
Hajj 2026: Health conditions that may restrict permit approval Gulf Business
Uzbekistan to Launch Hajj Season 2026 on 2 May Officially UzDaily.uz
Saudi Arabia sets Hajj health rules, restricts pilgrims with serious illnesses Gulf News