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.
Saudi Arabia urges pilgrims not to share shaving tools after Hajj rites Gulf News
Pilgrims move between Mina and Makkah as Eid-day Hajj rituals continue smoothly Arab News
Saudi Arabia Hajj Religion News Service
Hajj pilgrims perform rituals in soaring heat as Eid al-Adha celebrations begin dailyadvance.com
Mahama commends National Hajj Board for successful 2026 pilgrimage Ghana News Agency
Muslim pilgrims perform Hajj rituals under intense heat as Eid al-Adha celebrations start WOWK 13 News