MAKKAH, 19 December 2006 — Municipal officials have begun renting out its 260 barber stalls in the 400-square-meter area off Al-Majzara Street in the holy city. City officials assured the public yesterday that health inspectors would certify all barbers in this area. Head shaving of male pilgrims is part of the Haj tradition.
Meanwhile, Mansur ibn Miteb, deputy minister of municipal and rural affairs, has approved the suggestion of city officials to rent seasonal real estate locations to barbers. These lands will be put on auction next Wednesday after Asr prayers.
The auction will include general areas and areas devoted for barbering activities. Investors in this sector must be Saudis and must be self-employed. They also must have a barber’s license and a license to have a business.
