DAMMAM, 21 February — Tawafa establishments in the Eastern Province have reduced their charges in the face of stiff competition. The minimum rate per pilgrim has now gone down to as low as SR1,200, which earlier ranged between SR2,000 and SR6,000 depending on facilities offered. The charges include costs of transportation, accommodation and food in Makkah and a visit to Madinah.
A trip to Makkah and Madinah by bus, stay in tents and average food will cost SR1,200. A similar trip by bus but stay in a moderate hotel or furnished apartment in the holy cities will cost SR2,500. The prices go up with the quality of accommodation arrangements. Some Tawafa establishments claim to offer five-star facilities which include airport transfers, first class passage by air to Madinah and Jeddah en route to Makkah, stay in five-star hotels, five-course meal and luxurious tents in Mina and Muzdalifa. Such packages cost more than SR10,000 per person.
Some agents do not take the pilgrims with them but they provide duly stamped documents for a fee of SR300 to SR500. At Thuqba and Subaikha areas, there are scores of such establishments. Many people prefer to avail of this facility as they feel that it is more convenient to be on their own instead of depending on the services provided by Tawafa establishments. They say that by this arrangement, they can considerably cut down the pilgrimage expenses.
The authorities, however, do not approve of the practice. In the last two days, security officials have detained a number of people possessing such documents.
Meanwhile, the extension of deadline for issuing Haj permits came as a big relief to prospective pilgrims. A long queue of applicants was seen yesterday morning at the Immigration Department in Dammam.
