Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 15 Jun 2026, 12:26 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 mobilizes massive Hajj security operation as pilgrim arrivals exceed 1.5 million Gulf News
SFDA chief reviews Makkah facilities ahead of Hajj 1447 AH | Associated Press Of Pakistan
Fueled by faith, some US Muslims embark on Hajj against a backdrop of regional tensions seMissourian
Hajj 2026 In Frames: Pilgrims Converge In Makkah ETV Bharat
Hajj 2026: All Roads Lead To Makkah As Thousands Converge In Saudi Arabia For Annual Pilgrimage ETV Bharat
Over 30 Entities Showcase Integrated Media and Technical Services at Hajj Media Hub وكالة الأنباء السعودية