MAKKAH, 2 April 2003 — With Haj over and Umrah pilgrims delayed because of the war in Iraq, hotel and apartment prices in Makkah have taken a nose-dive, Al-Madinah newspaper reported. The business is relying almost exclusively on business from Saudis performing Umrah at weekends. Khalil Bhader, the proprietor of the White Palace Hotel, said some hotels were discounting prices just to cover their operational costs.