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.
Saudi Tightens Security and Traffic for Hajj in Mecca VOI.id
Hajj pilgrim numbers surpass 2025 arrivals despite Mideast war Kuwait Times
Kuwait hajj mission says teams ready to support pilgrims Kuwait Times
Islamic Affairs Ministry Hosts Hajj Awareness Seminar in Makkah وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Thousands of Iranians Travel to Saudi Arabia in a Tense Wartime Pilgrimage WSJ
Over 1.5 million pilgrims arrive Saudi Arabia for 2026 hajj Tribune Online