By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. First batch of Kebbi pilgrims departs Jeddah for Nigeria. Flynas flight XY9006 departed King Abdulaziz International Airport at 09:45hrs (7:55 a.m. Nigerian time) with 413 pilgrims and 6 officials from Kebbi State, including Shanga, Koko, and Suru LGAs.

2. Max Air returns 551 pilgrims from Jeddah to Bauchi at 08:07hrs today. Breakdown: Bauchi (550), Plateau (1). Total Nigerian returnees now stand at 964 from two flights.

3. NAHCON kickstarts Hajj 2026 planning, urges early compliance with Saudi timelines. NAHCON Commissioner Aliyu Abdulrasaq made the announcement at post-Arafat stakeholders’ meeting, stressing timely coordination to avoid 2025-style delays.

4. 8,606 Bangladeshi pilgrims return home so far. Of this total, 837 went through government scheme and 7,769 privately. Return flights: Biman (4), Saudia (8), Flynas (10). Health centres issued 49,809 prescriptions; 20,309 IT service interventions recorded.

5. Al Baik meals for Nigerian pilgrims before departure. Mashariq Al Dhahabia (Sana) Company will serve Al Baik to each Nigerian pilgrim under its care as a farewell gift, says African Operations Manager Al Sheik Fauzi.

6. Indonesia explores Taif Airport for faster repatriation. Presidential Advisor Muhadjir Effendy says up to 10 additional daily flight slots may be added to reduce costs and speed up returns. Over 220,000 Indonesians performed Hajj in 2025.

7. Pilgrims’ satisfaction with Makkah healthcare hits 97.7%. Surveys were conducted in eight languages using QR codes and handheld tablets. Makkah Health Cluster cites strategic upgrades across medical facilities at holy sites.

8. Mashaer Metro moved 1.87 million pilgrims across Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah in five stages. Trains replaced 50,000 buses, completing 2,150 trips using 17 eco-friendly trains with minimal emissions.

9. Khateebs for Jumu’ah today (17 Dhul-Hijjah): Sheikh Yasir Dawsary delivers the sermon at Masjid Al Haram, while Sheikh Ali Hudaify leads Jumu’ah at Masjid an Nabawi.

10. Fun fact: South Africa’s pilgrim quota dropped dramatically from thousands to just ~2,500, forcing travel operators to manage at least 500 pilgrims each

11. Did you know? Egypt’s Hajj arrangements are overseen by multiple bodies, Ministry of Interior (lottery), NGOs, and private outfits, with strict scholarships and varying costs

12. Did you know? After the 2024 heatwave tragedy, Egypt revoked 16 travel agency licenses over fatal trips by unregistered pilgrims

13. Did you know? African Hajj bodies like Ghana’s and Nigeria’s regularly meet in Mecca to share best practices, aiming for unified policies

14. Did you know? Senegalese and Nigerian female-led Hajj groups are praised for boosting women’s participation and business roles in pilgrimage

15. Did you know? While most airlifts return within weeks, Hajj visas are valid for a month into Muharram, giving time for reflection trips 

16. Fun fact: In Malaysia, they sprinkle attar and rose petals on returning pilgrims as a sign of blessing and celebration 

17. Fun fact: Some pilgrims bring back sand or small pebbles from Muzdalifah or Mina as personal mementos (though not encouraged officially).