Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 23 Jun 2026, 5:32 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.
More than 1,700 artifacts uncovered at ancient Miqat Al-Juhfah pilgrimage site in Saudi Arabia Archaeology News Online Magazine
Over 70 intending pilgrims demand D50M refund after missing 2026 Hajj The Point.gm
Hajj Live 2026 | Kaaba Live Now | Makkah Today | 25 May Porter Martone (ubbH9VOIMG) Mshale
Saudi Hajj minister praises Bangladesh's efficiency in Hajj management daily-sun.com
Saudi Hajj minister praises Bangladesh's efficiency in Hajj management Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)
Hajj 2026: First batch of 344 Lagos pilgrims return home Daily Post Nigeria