Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 20 Sep 2026, 10:23 AM (Saudi time)
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-led coalition intercepts Houthi drone headed for Mecca Al Jazeera
Saudi Arabia says it intercepted a drone before it entered Islam's holiest city, calling pilgrims' security a 'red line'
Houthi drone destroyed before entering Makkah’s airspace, Saudi Arabia says Arab News
Saudi Arabia has intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone that was heading toward Mecca.
Maldivians in Makkah are safe: Shaheem edition.mv
Makkah governor thanks everyone who helped make Hajj 2018 a success Arab News