Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 15 Jun 2026, 7:10 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 announces Umrah dates, visas open May 31 NewsBytes
How war and rising costs are reshaping Hajj in 2026 The New Arab
Umrah 2026 Application & Registration: How to Apply for the 1448 AH Season Wego Travel Blog
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“Tamimi Markets” to Serve Pilgrims in Makkah During Hajj with 24/7 Pop-Up Store bastillepost.com
“Tamimi Markets” to Serve Pilgrims in Makkah During Hajj with 24/7 Pop-Up Store standard-journal.com