RIYADH: Various Dawah groups in the capital are advertising attractive travel packages for local pilgrims for the forthcoming Haj.

The Dawah Center in Riyadh has an eight-day package for SR3,500 that includes three meals a day. The pilgrimage will begin on the 6th day of Dul Hijjah and end on the 14th.

In addition to meals, pilgrims will be given comfortable accommodation in Mina, transport within the holy city and a guide to help them perform the Haj rituals.

“During the pilgrimage, we will look after all the needs of the pilgrims except the sacrifice of animal,” Moulavi Ramzan told Arab News, adding that the pilgrims have to pay extra for the animal slaughter. He explained that those who cannot afford to slaughter an animal can fast for 10 days in lieu of the sacrifice. Ramzan said that the offer was open to both families and bachelors who wish to perform the pilgrimage this year.

He added that the increase of SR1,000 in the package is solely due to the increased cost of accommodation, transport and food expenses. He also said that the pilgrims would be given an orientation program before their departure for the holy city. Moulavi Mohamed Basheer said that he charged SR3,300 for the whole pilgrimage including meals, accommodation, transport and medical aid when necessary. However, he said that the pilgrims had to arrange their own meals during their travel to and from Makkah. Pilgrims will be transported to and from Makkah in luxury coaches.

Basheer said similar arrangements have been made for pilgrims living in Dammam. The travel operators also process the Haj permits necessary for the pilgrims.

Pilgrims are required to use the standard forms issued by the Passport Department together with copies of iqama, passport, certificate of vaccination against meningitis and three photographs.

Meanwhile, the rush to Makkah and Madinah for Umrah is heavy this week and local operators will stop accepting Umrah pilgrims from Riyadh. More than 100 luxury buses carrying Umrah passengers will leave for the holy cities from Riyadh on Wednesday.