JEDDAH, 10 February 2003 — The Ministry of Haj is to carry out projects in Makkah totaling SR400 million after the Haj season has finished.
The ministry told Al-Hayat newspaper yesterday that Makkah has already benefited from a number of projects carried out last year, such as the rainwater drainage project in the Arafat area.
It is expected that sales in the food industry will exceed SR150 million during Haj season. Food orders are expected to reach three million a day. Adel Al-Metro, a food shop owner, told Al-Hayat that he expects considerable profits after signing contracts with more than 600 pilgrim camps for food delivery.
Haj agencies are obliged to sign catering agreements because the fire department has banned the use of gas for cooking.
Money changers in Makkah are also gearing up for pilgrims in need of Saudi riyals.
However, Iraqi pilgrims are finding it difficult to change Iraqi currency because of its low value and the current threat of war. They are frequently being made to convert their dinars to US dollars before they buy Saudi riyals.
