Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 29 Jul 2026, 5:28 PM (Saudi time)
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.
Over 109 pilgrims circumvented medical screening in 2026 – NAHCON chairman The Sun Nigeria
Saudi Arabia urges pilgrims to use Umrah and Visit Guide The Malaysian Reserve
Umrah Pilgrims Could Face 50,000 Riyals Fine for Staying Beyond Visa Validity The Islamic Information
First group of 250 pilgrims from 16 countries performs Umrah under king’s guests program Arab News
The Ministry of Hajj Requests an Initial Budget of IDR 4 Trillion for 2027 Hajj Services Kompas.id
Saudi Ambassador Assures Country Safe for Hajj Pilgrims Amid US-Iran Tensions Tempo.co English