Haj service providers are expected to double their prices for domestic pilgrims this season, as a result of a 66 percent cut in the number of domestic pilgrims and reduction in space allocated for them in the holy sites.
Market analysts said domestic Haj firms that charged SR4,000 last year were demanding SR8,000 and more from prospective pilgrims this year.
“We were shocked to hear the new prices,” one agent told Arab News.
Saad Al-Qurashi, chairman of the National Committee for Haj and Umrah, indicated the prices could climb by 20 to 30 percent because of a drop in the number of pilgrims.
The number of pilgrims allotted to 211 service providers has dropped to 104,000 this year compared to 209,000 last year.
“We will have a better estimate of the exact prices when the Haj Ministry distributes tents to the domestic Haj companies in the holy sites,” Al-Qurashi told Arab News. He said the distribution would take place at Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Saturday.
The number of domestic pilgrims this year has dropped from 50 to 66 percent due to the ongoing construction at the Grand Mosque in Makkah that has considerably reduced the area for circumambulation (tawaf) around the Holy Kaaba.
Mohammed Ahmed Badi, an investor in the domestic Haj sector said, about 60 companies had signed an agreement with the ministry, pledging not to increase charges this year. These companies offer prices ranging between SR3,000 and SR10,000 per pilgrim.
The Haj Ministry said it would distribute tents among domestic Haj companies considering their track record.
Domestic Haj service charges set to double
