The Saudi Gazette reports that a total of 108 041 Umrah permits were issued following the launch of I’tamarna application on September 27.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that of these, roughly 43 000 permits had been issued to citizens, while the remaining 65 000 were given to expatriates of various nationalities.

16 000 pilgrims had registered, using the app, within the first hour of its launch, while the total number of pilgrims registered during the first week of the launch reached 309 686.

People over the age of 60 accounted for 35 percent of the total number of registered pilgrims. 26 percent accounted for those aged between 31-40 years old. Prospective pilgrims aged between 41- 50 years account for 14 percent, with 17 percent in the 20-30 years age bracket. According to the Saudi Gazette, the percentage of those in the category of 51-60 years was the lowest at 8 percent.

The first batch of Umrah performers are to be received at 6:00 am Sunday October 4.

Umm Muhammed Umar