Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 24 Jun 2026, 5:12 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.
Zamfara Hajj Commission announces pilgrims’ return schedule The Guardian Nigeria News
Rijiju reviews Haj 2026, directs early preparations for next year’s pilgrimage DD News
Rijiju Promises Probe into Theft of Valuables from Haj Pilgrims’ Baggage; Defends Hajj 2026 Performance IndiaTomorrow
First Batch Of Adamawa Pilgrims Returns Home From 2026 Hajj LEADERSHIP Newspapers
‘2026 Hajj Remains My Best Pilgrimage In 45 Years’ LEADERSHIP Newspapers
Hajj 2026: 1,600 Lagos pilgrims arrive safely from Makkah MSN