Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 20 Jun 2026, 1:17 AM (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.
Journey to Mecca: Millions gather for annual hajj pilgrimage Reuters
Over 1.7 Million Pilgrims Complete Hajj 2026, Including 34,000 Moroccans Morocco World News
Journey to Mecca: Millions gather for annual hajj pilgrimage - May 28, 2026 | رويترز Reuters
Hajj 2026 LIVE: Muslims continue pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia The Lufkin Daily News
Stoning Of The Devil: All you need to know about this sacred Hajj ritual in Makkah Indulgexpress
Saudi authorities arrest 10 transporters for smuggling illegal Hajj pilgrims into Makkah | Associated Press Of Pakistan