Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 17 Jun 2026, 12:30 PM (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.
Over 1.5 million pilgrims arrive Saudi Arabia for 2026 hajj MSN
Saudi Arabia opens visa applications for new Umrah season Gulf News
Saudi Arabia starts issuing Umrah visas for the new season Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia builds major waste processing city south of Mecca by 2027 to serve Hajj and Umrah pilgrims Gulf News
Saudi Arabia reports zero power outages at holy sites during 2026 Hajj İlke Haber Ajansı
Pilgrims Advised To Remain Prayerful As Hajj Ends Daily Trust