Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 18 Jun 2026, 2:20 AM (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.
Haj pilgrim numbers surpass 2025 arrivals despite Middle East war The Star | Malaysia
Hajj pilgrim numbers in Saudi Arabia surpass 2025 arrivals despite Middle East war Khaleej Times
International Hajj pilgrim numbers surpass 2025 arrivals despite Middle East war Khaleej Times
Haj pilgrim numbers surpass 2025 arrivals despite Middle East war The Straits Times
Saudi warns Hajj pilgrims of dust storms and extreme heat daily-sun.com
How Saudi Arabia is using AI to transform the Hajj experience Al Arabiya English