On Oct. 12, Youm 7 daily launched a campaign in Egypt to delay performing the umrah for one year for pilgrims who have already performed the religious visit. This would allegedly secure more than $6 billion for Egypt at a time when crucial economic measures need to be taken. The campaign has caused much controversy in the Egyptian street.
Some believe that the Egyptian state is trying to use the campaign as leverage against Saudi Arabia in light of the tension between the two countries over the Syrian crisis.