Haj, Umrah generate SR30bn annually
Published: Jun 29, 2010 23:04 Updated: Jun 29, 2010 23:04
MADINAH: The Kingdom annually earns over SR30 billion from Haj and Umrah, a figure that could be doubled if the two seasons were professionally managed, said Abdul Ghani Hammad Al-Ansari, a member of the Haj and Umrah Committee at the Madinah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“This figure is confined to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and could be increased through good management,” said Al-Ansari.
He added that the income generated in Makkah is much more than what is generated in Madinah because of Makkah’s proximity to Jeddah's King Abdul Aziz International Airport.
“If the airport in Madinah were able to function at full capacity and receive more international flights, the figures for the two cities could be closer,” he said.
Al-Ansari added that international tourist and Umrah companies are dominating the market and controlling prices. “Local Umrah companies are just a bridge for the international ones,” he said.
He also said that there are about 40 local Umrah companies that do not operate in a unified manner. “If these companies were united in their decisions and stances, they would benefit the country economically,” he said.
He added that unity would lead to the annual income from Haj and Umrah reaching over SR60 billion and that there could be a reduction in the Kingdom’s unemployment rate.
Al-Ansari said the annual occupancy rate of hotels in Madinah is about 65 percent. “During the first three months of the current Umrah season this rate came down to between 30 and 40 percent,” he said.
According to him, many hotels around the central area in Madinah close to the Prophet’s Mosque are unsuitable for accommodation. “The number of classified hotels was less than 1 percent. Most of the hotels are not properly furnished. They lack Internet services and have no business centers. Their level of cleanliness is also very bad,” he said.
Al-Ansari said about 80 percent of hotels in Madinah are not properly managed. He, however, expected the rate of occupancy to gradually increase reaching 100 percent during the last days of Ramadan.

Comments
HASSAN
Jun 30, 2010 20:04
Report abuseAHMED FROM UK
Jul 2, 2010 21:52
Report abuseAll praise to Allah swt who has given Saudis The custodian of The 2 Holy Mosques. Who are putting every effort for the peace and comfort of Muslim visitors to Holy sites throughout the year. It an enormous task during Hajj period alone. This I witness with my own eyes the mess/smell in Mina before leaving for Arafat and on our return it was all beautifully cleaned as there was no mess there, wonderful hard work by refuse collectors,same story at Jamarat and various other places, well done boys, great effort.
Then the transport, well once again words fail me the sheer effort and commitment by each and everyone involved was great to see, well done boys, but small point to suggest could you please switch your engine off when waiting, the fumes in Arafat,Muzdalifa,and Mina were getting far too much in the heat, please look into this, Mina/other toilets no facilities for ladies sanitation towels,
At Jamarat it was very well controlled by uniform officers, full marks and salute to them.
It was great experience may Allah swt invite me/family over/over. Ameen.
The Hotels in both Holy places we found to be 3/4 star & kept to reasonable standard due to high volume of people & demand. I only found 1 negative point to mention to your Honour & that is there should be some respect towards Holy Qaba and the placing of wc & bedrooms. We in Europe/USA take it very seriously about how we face in wc/ feet in bedrooms. Strongly practice in our homes and Mosques alike. Please look into this respectable issues.
Madinah airport to have full flow as International would definatly give extra revenue as it so rightly deserves. Hotel prices for UK Hajj/Umrah are very much a close controlled and getting very expensive. Fair system should be adopted for an ordinary person to travel to Holy place.
So far The Custodian of The Holy Mosques [ Hifazahullah] is doing everything possible for peace & comfort of Hajjis. One can only stand back and admire all the good constructions are taking place in and around The Holy Places.
Finaly
Our duas with you all
May Allah swt give you all, sabar/ strength
Ameen
Brother Ahmed