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.
Journey of a lifetime: A look at what pilgrims will be doing over the next few days at Hajj Arab News
Saudi Arabia Hajj Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Saudi Arabia confirms Hajj 2026. When does it start? The Columbus Dispatch
All Kuwaiti pilgrims reach Makkah Kuwait Times
Saudi Authorities Project Extreme Temperatures During Hajj Rituals The Guardian Nigeria News
Fueled by faith, some U.S. Muslims embark on Hajj against a backdrop of regional tensions Los Angeles Times