According to the statistics, all Umrah pilgrims and visitors, regardless of nationality and social background, buy gifts that are spiritual in nature to present to relatives and friends to document their spiritual visit to the land of the two holy mosques.

Rosary beads, antiques, handicrafts, prayer mats and prayer wear are at the top of the Umrah pilgrims’ choices, especially during the holy month. This has encouraged tradesmen to compete in offering a variety of practical souvenirs and gifts with high quality.

According to textile expert and tradesman Salem Al-Ammari, visitors to the holy mosques buy many prayer wear as souvenirs, and practical gifts that pump up the sales to 150 percent of the year’s sales. Textile tradesmen import fabrics of a specific nature, Al-Ammari points out, adding that buying prayer wear is not limited to visitors, but also considered an essential present that women exchange during the month of Ramadan.

Al-Ammari stresses that what distinguishes this year’s prayer textile is that they are environmentally friendly, and made of natural fibers that allow breeze to go through, and prevent skin problems that could occur from skin contact with certain fabrics during long prayer sessions.

The increase in the numbers of Umrah pilgrims and sales, according to economists, has not only created more investment opportunities in religious tourism market, but also helped reconstruct the concept of religious economy to emphasize the importance of the place and the quality and variety of services offered.