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.
Gaza Palestinians will mark a third Eid under war-like conditions, with a shortage of food and joy.
1.7 million pilgrims perform Hajj in 2026 Qazinform
1.7 million pilgrims perform Hajj in 2026 Qazinform
Saudi Arabia: Hajj 2026 Reaches Its Spiritual Peak As Millions Of Muslim Pilgrims Gather Worst Ex Ever (oXG5NYfHC3) Mshale
Hajj 2026: Faith moves 1.7 million Muslims through Islam's holiest pilgrimage Awaz The Voice
More than a million worshippers brave searing heat for annual Hajj pilgrimage Australian Broadcasting Corporation