By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. Flynas XY9022 departs Jeddah to Abuja with 425 FCT pilgrims and 4 officials, bringing total returnees to 14,014 across 33 flights.

2. Sokoto pilgrims continue return with Flynas XY9082, carrying 422 pilgrims and 4 officials.

3. Kebbi pilgrims return via Flynas XY9018, with 425 pilgrims and 1 official aboard.

4. Max Air VM2004 airlifts 558 Kwara pilgrims and 1 official to Ilorin, continuing seamless return operations.

5. First batch of Adamawa pilgrims arrives safely in Yola, marking a smooth start to the state’s return journey.

6. Two Indonesian pilgrims die mid-flight one hour before landing in Surabaya, both women aged 67 and 85 were from Bangkalan, East Java.

7. Bangladesh appeals to retain 1,000-pilgrim quota per Hajj agency for 2026, citing operational sustainability; request made in Jeddah meeting with Saudi Deputy Minister.

8. Saudi Hajj Ministry launches multilingual e-survey to assess 2025 pilgrim satisfaction, available in nine languages as part of Vision 2030 drive for service improvement.

9. Umrah visa applicants must now upload verified hotel bookings via Nusuk Masar, new rule mandates accommodation documentation using only licensed hotels for the 1447H Umrah season.

10. The Ihram rules for Umrah are the same as for Hajj — except Umrah is shorter and doesn’t require staying in Mina, Arafat, or Muzdalifah.

11. Did you know? Umrah is completed in just a few hours, but its impact lasts a lifetime — it includes Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and shaving/trimming the hair.

12. Did you know? The area for Sa’i between Safa and Marwa is now fully air-conditioned and spans two levels, with elevators for the elderly and disabled.

13. Did you know? Umrah pilgrims still drink Zamzam water freely, and many collect it in 5-litre bottles to take home as a gift.

14. Fun fact: Even though Ihram for Umrah must be worn before entering Makkah, many pilgrims wear it from their home country or airport to avoid rushing.

15. Did you know? Madinah is not part of the Umrah, but visiting the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) is highly recommended and spiritually rewarding.

16. 15. Did you know? You can perform multiple Umrahs in one trip — many pilgrims go to Masjid Aisha (Tan’eem) to renew their Ihram and repeat Umrah.

17. Fun fact: The Kaaba is cleaned twice a year — but after Hajj, there’s usually less crowd, and the smell of oud and rose water fills the Haram.