- MADINAH: As the Haj approaches and the region fills up with pilgrims from across the globe, money changers have noticed a particular trend during the weeks leading up to the annual spiritual get-together: Hajis don't like to receive dingy-looking Saudi currency.
According to a report in Al-Watan daily, money changers have asked the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency to make available a sufficient supply of new bank notes to provide to pilgrims who raise a fuss when they receive worn notes. One of the reasons for the desire to have crisp currency is that they tend to take some notes back home with them to give as souvenirs.
According to the report, an estimated SR100 million in currency transactions occur in the holy city of Madinah alone during the Haj season. So, c'mon people! These folks come for the journey of their lifetime. Don't ruin their vibe with some old, crusty banks notes!