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.
Beyond Hajj: Saudi Arabia’s key global achievements in May 2026 Saudi Gazette
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah welcomes first batch of Haj-2026 pilgrims at Srinagar airport WION
Kashmir Hajj Pilgrims Miffed By Road Transportation Of Luggage As First Batch Returns From Saudi Arabia ETV Bharat
Millions of Hajj pilgrims face heat threat in Mecca’s spring season Eco-Business
India receives Saudi awards for outstanding pilgrimage arrangements in Hajj 2026 Awaz The Voice
How Saudi Arabia is reshaping Hajj and Umrah into seamless experiences Salaam Gateway