By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. Bab Marwah (Gate 23) of Majsjid alharam is one of the largest gates, featuring electric escalators for easy access to the Marwah area, enhancing convenience for elderly and disabled pilgrims.
2. Do you know? Bab Safa (Gate no. 12) – A major gate providing direct access to the Sa’i area, where pilgrims perform the ritual walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah, a central Hajj rite.
3. Bab Ali (Gate 17): Named after Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first male convert to Islam and the Prophet’s son-in-law, located near important areas for pilgrims to access during their visit.
4. Bab Malik Abdulaziz (Gate 1): For a peaceful experience at Masjid al-Haram, use gates like Bab Malik ’Abdulaziz early in the morning, this gate provides direct entry to the outer Mataf area and is designed for accessibility, facilitating entry for people with disabilities and those using wheelchairs.
5. Maldives: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has requested the Bank of Maldives to increase the foreign transaction limit on debit cards for Hajj pilgrims to USD 2,000, facilitating better access to foreign currency.
6. Malaysia: Over 11,000 Malaysian Muslims have arrived in Mecca and Medina for Hajj 2025, with more pilgrims expected to arrive soon.
7. Pilgrims from Uzbekistan are set to depart for Hajj 2025 starting May 13.
8. The first batch of 388 Lagos pilgrimshave been airlifted to Madinah, Saudi Arabia, as part of the 2025 Hajj airlift program.
9. The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has issued a final call for intending pilgrims from Giwa Local Government Area to report to the Mando pilgrims’ camp by 4:00 PM today for their departure to the Holy Land.
10. Governor Yusuf of Kano State, Nigeria: Governor Yusuf is set to lead the Kano Hajj Pilgrims Delegation Team, overseeing the state’s participation in Hajj 2025.
11. Some Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah are facing difficulties with the Nusuk App, citing issues with guidance and navigation.