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.
Makkah deputy emir conducts field visit to holy sites to assess readiness of facilities for pilgrims Saudi Gazette
Hajj 2026: 1,809 Kano pilgrims face endless wait amid Saudi deadline The Guardian Nigeria News
6,600 Palestinian pilgrims to perform Hajj rituals in Makkah Arab News
National Meteorology Center Announces Expected Weather Conditions in Makkah and Holy Sites during Hajj 1447 AH وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Saudi Arabia confirms start of Dhul Hijjah. More about Islamic holy month The Columbus Dispatch
Worshippers flood Makkah and Madinah for Laylat Al Qadr prayers The National