Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 13 Jun 2026, 9:54 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.
60,991 Bangladeshi pilgrims reach Saudi Arabia Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)
Saudi Arabia to Reopen Umrah Visas on This Date ProPakistani
Saudi Arabia deploys 22,000 staff and 88,000 waste units for Hajj Gulf News
Saudi Arabia announces Umrah season calendar for 1448 AH Gulf News
Hajj Badal 2026: Rules, eligibility, and what to consider before appointing someone, Lifestyle News AsiaOne
Hajj 2026: Over 100,000 Pakistani Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia; Welfare and Medical Missions Assume Duties | Associated Press Of Pakistan