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.
Makkah deputy emir meets with Hajj and transport ministers to review operational plans Saudi Gazette
Hajj 2026: Belmehdi attends annual reception hosted by Saudi Crown Prince aps.dz
Saudi Arabia supplies more than 712m essentials across Makkah and holy sites during Hajj Arab News
Makkah Grand Mosque imam highlights transformation as true sign of accepted Hajj Saudi Gazette
Hajj 2026: Nigeria’s Resurgent Image Takes Centre Stage PRNigeria News
Kano Amirul Hajj Lambasts NAHCON Over Poor Treatment of Pilgrims In Saudi Arabia PRNigeria News