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.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit Mecca creating dramatic scenes as worshippers prayed at the Grand Mosque.
Third Group of Guests of Custodian of Two Holy Mosques' Umrah Program Departs Makkah وكالة الأنباء السعودية
2027 Hajj: Lagos demands more slots Daily Post Nigeria
Gateway Air ready to airlift hajj pilgrims — Abiodun Daily Post Nigeria
Third Group of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Umrah Program Departs Makkah spa.gov.sa
Saudi Arabia ready to host Hajj with 1.5m pilgrims expected Arab News