By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. Max Air Flight NGL273 departed Jeddah to Kano at 08:11hrs with 550 Kano pilgrims and 9 officials. Total Nigerian Return Airlift:34,395 pilgrims via 83 flights.

2. Flynas Flight XY9098 departed Jeddah to Sokoto at 06:36hrs with 428 Sokoto pilgrims and 2 officials.

3. UMZA Flight UY3550 left Jeddah to Minna at 02:38hrs with 480 Niger pilgrims and 4 officials.

4. Air Peace APK7923 departed Jeddah to Maiduguri at 23:44hrs with 309 Borno pilgrims and 7 officials.

5. UMZA Flight UY3453 took off from Jeddah to Maiduguri on 28/06/2025 at 17:05hrs with 290 Yobe pilgrims and 5 officials.

6. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) intensifies anti-fraud campaigns to curb rising Hajj and Umrah scams in Malaysia. Secretary-General Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot says collaboration with Tabung Haji continues to prevent future fraud, especially among Umrah-bound travellers.

7. 21,700 Pakistani pilgrims have so far returned home from Madinah as post-Hajj operations progress smoothly. The Ministry of Religious Affairs, through the new Main Control Office (MCO), is facilitating returns, with flights scheduled until July 10.

8. Hajj fraud warning issued in UK after criminals stole £150,000 from intending pilgrims. City of London Police and Action Fraud advise booking only through the official Nusuk platform, stressing the emotional and financial toll of falling victim to scams. Commander Umer Khan urges vigilance as criminals exploit faith-driven trust.

9. Did you know? Many mosques in the UK, US, and Canada organize “New Year Umrah delegations” after community Muharram events.

10. Fun fact: Masjid Quba in Madinah is often visited in early Hijri months to reflect on the first mosque built after the Hijrah.

11. Did you know? Some pilgrims keep a Hijrah journal—recording their prayers, feelings, and insights during Muharram Umrah.

12. Did you know? After Dhul Hijjah, the Grand Mosque is deeply sanitized, and public health units reset for incoming Umrah pilgrims.

13. Fun fact: Each new Hijrah year comes with updated health bulletins on MERS, flu, and travel vaccinations.

14. Did you know? Early-year Umrah pilgrims benefit from freshly reset hotel policies, like longer stays and flexible bookings.

15. Fun fact: The crowd density in Tawaf areas is digitally monitored and broadcast in real time — a system refined every new Hijri year.

16. Fun fact: There’s a lesser-known Umrah called “Umrah al-Qada”, performed as a make-up for an earlier Umrah that couldn’t be completed due to obstacles.

17. Fun fact: The Zamzam well produces around 11–18 liters per second, and its water level replenishes faster than almost any similar aquifer.