Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Jun 2026, 6:51 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.
2026 Hajj: Kano airlifts 997 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia Tribune Online
2026 hajj activities closes as last batch of Kebbi pilgrims return Apex News Exclusive
Hajj 2026: Saudi Arabia announces Rawdah Sharif visiting times for pilgrims Gulf Business
Saudi Arabia concludes Hajj season with 1.7 million pilgrims, highlights AI-driven operations Gulf Business
Zamfara Hajj Commission announces pilgrims’ return schedule The Guardian Nigeria News
Rijiju reviews Haj 2026, directs early preparations for next year’s pilgrimage DD News