MINA, 24 February — The problem of expatriate drivers not being familiar with Makkah region’s roads and highways came to the fore when 50 Yemeni pilgrims were driven around for hours before they could finally locate the tents designated for them.
A large number of expatriate drivers are recruited for the transport of pilgrims during the peak pilgrimage season. Al-Madinah daily said in a report yesterday that the Yemeni pilgrims were driven around for six hours and when the driver could not locate their tents a quarrel ensued. The driver asked the pilgrims to leave the bus and fend for themselves. The pilgrims refused to leave the bus and insisted they be dropped at the right address. Not only the drivers, even the tour guides are often unfamiliar with the area, the report said.
