Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 20 Jun 2026, 5:11 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.
Two Sokoto female pilgrims die in Makkah after completing 2026 hajj exercise Daily Post Nigeria
Hajj: Two Sokoto female pilgrims die in Makkah Daily Trust
Hajj 2026: How Iran's Pilgrims Held the War at Bay houseofsaud.com
Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Briefed on Initiatives of Jeddah Governorate during Hajj وكالة الأنباء السعودية
"Baladi+" updates more than 11,800 sites in Makkah and the holy sites to facilitate the movement of pilgrims during Hajj 1447 AH وزارة البلديات والإسكان
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing: More than 11 million linear meters have been completed and 74 million square meters of roads in Makkah and the holy sites have been made ready for Hajj 1447 AH. وزارة البلديات والإسكان