Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 20 Jun 2026, 5:11 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.
Hajj 2026: Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Gift Lagos Pilgrims 200 Saudi Riyals Each - TVC News
More than 1.5 million pilgrims gather for Hajj amid push for peace in Middle East The National
Health Ministry hails Saudi Arabia’s efforts to ensure safe, disease-free Hajj season الهيئة العامة للاستعلامات
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Photos of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca Jacksonville Journal-Courier
At the heart of Hajj stands the Kaaba, draped in 670kg of silk and embroidered with 200kg of gold and silver thread.