Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 20 Jun 2026, 12:02 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.
Hajj 2026: How Drones and AI Are Guiding Pilgrims in Makkah The Indian Awaaz
Ice cream, giant fans, umbrellas: Hajj pilgrims battle Makkah's extreme heat Khaleej Times
Hajj 2026 kicks off, Saudi Arabia focuses on safety and logistics optimization also thanks to AI Agenzia Nova
Saudi Arabia Activates AI Operations Centres for Hajj CairoScene
Community partnership between Cenomi Centers and the Makkah Municipality to support pilgrims and local community programs ZAWYA
Hajj 2026 begins in Saudi Arabia as millions of pilgrims gather in Makkah en.bd-pratidin.com