Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 Jun 2026, 12:05 PM (Saudi time)
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.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has ordered full mobilisation of security and operational plans for Hajj 2026, with new electronic monitoring, 230+ surveillance cameras, and mandatory Nusuk smart cards.
Saudi authorities have completed 4,700 man-hours of maintenance on the Ka'bah and Maqam Ibrahim, including marble restoration and expansion joint replacement, ahead of Hajj 2026.
Day of Arafat begins as nearly two million pilgrims reach the pinnacle of Hajj 5Pillars
Muslim pilgrims converge on Arafat for prayers and worship as Hajj reaches its peak Goshen News
Muslim pilgrims converge on Arafat for prayers and worship as Hajj reaches its peak Ottumwa Courier
Muslim pilgrims converge on Arafat for prayers and worship as Hajj reaches its peak Rutland Herald
Muslim pilgrims converge on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia as the Hajj reaches its peak KSAT
Muslim pilgrims converge on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia as the Hajj reaches its peak Click2Houston