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: NAHCON reacts as Concern grows over alleged substandard services in Mina The Guardian Nigeria News
Saudi Arabia declares full readiness for Hajj as pilgrims prepare to flock to Mina Monday Saudi Gazette
Livestock traders in Pakistan say the war on Iran has hurt their sales ahead of Eid al-Adha.
Million gather in Makkah as hajj begins The Daily Star
APTOPIX Saudi Arabia Hajj Idaho State Journal
APTOPIX Saudi Arabia Hajj The Herald Journal