Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 13 Jun 2026, 12:11 PM (Saudi time)
33 stranded Bangladeshi Umrah pilgrims returned home after ministerial intervention, highlighting the importance of choosing licensed travel operators and maintaining proper documentation.
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.
"Baladi+" updates more than 11,800 sites in Makkah and the holy sites to facilitate the movement of pilgrims during Hajj 1447 AH وزارة البلديات والإسكان
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing: More than 11 million linear meters have been completed and 74 million square meters of roads in Makkah and the holy sites have been made ready for Hajj 1447 AH. وزارة البلديات والإسكان
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing: Implementation of environmental control and treatment works in more than 46,000 locations in Makkah and the Holy Sites during the Hajj season وزارة البلديات والإسكان
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing announces the completion of the readiness of the municipal system in Makkah and the Holy Sites for the Hajj season of 1447 AH. وزارة البلديات والإسكان
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing: More than 60 tunnels prepared and more than 330,000 lighting units operated in Makkah and the holy sites for Hajj 1447 AH وزارة البلديات والإسكان
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing: Receiving nearly 30,000 reports and carrying out 4,500 operational tours daily in Makkah and the holy sites during Hajj 1447 AH وزارة البلديات والإسكان