Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 May 2026, 5:56 PM (Saudi time)
Amal by Malaysia Airlines launches 110-flight Hajj 2026 operation with A330-300 aircraft, transporting 15,620 pilgrims via 67 domestic feeder flights and offering a new courier service for returning pilgrims.
Hajj 2026 Day of Arafah is expected on May 26, with Eid Al Adha on May 27, based on astronomical calculations. Final dates depend on official Saudi moon sighting around May 17.
Saudi Arabia enforces fines up to SAR 100,000 for Hajj facilitators and SAR 20,000 for unauthorised pilgrims, plus deportation and 10-year entry bans, targeting informal networks enabling illegal participation.
Hajj 2026 proceeds as scheduled despite the expiry of the US-Iran ceasefire. Saudi Arabia confirms advanced security with 1.8 million pilgrims expected. Trump indicates truce extension but no formal deal confirmed.
First Hajj 2026 pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia on April 18 from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Malaysia, with 3.1 million seats allocated across 12,000+ flights.
Saudi authorities completed 47 hours of Ka'bah maintenance and raised the Kiswa on April 18 with a team of 34 craftsmen, alongside Maqam Ibrahim beautification and 230+ cameras at Miqat stations.
GCC Citizens Temporarily Suspended From Entering Saudi Arabia’s Makkah, Madinah Eurasia Review
GCC citizens temporarily banned from entering Saudi Arabia’s Makkah and Madinah arabnews.jp
Businesses in Makkah, Madinah expecting 40% losses from Umrah pilgrimage ban Arab News
These Are the Strangest Journeys to Makkah for Hajj About Islam
Saudi eases restrictions on Umrah pilgrims traveling across the kingdom Gulf Business
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