Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Jun 2026, 1:40 AM (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.
Muslim pilgrims converge on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia as the Hajj reaches its peak Seymour Tribune
Saudi Arabia: Hajj 2026 reaches its spiritual peak as millions of Muslim pilgrims gather MSN
Muslim pilgrims converge on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia as the Hajj reaches its pinnacle PBS
Muslim pilgrims converge on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia as the Hajj reaches its peak Sun Sentinel
Hajj 2026: Drones, AI to be used for medical, logistic services The New Arab
Hajj 2026: Pilgrims gather at Mount of Mercy on the plain of Arafat for most sacred stage of Hajj Arab News