MAKKAH: Following the long Ramadan and Umrah season and the departure of all pilgrims, businesses in Makkah are taking a break in preparation for the Haj season that begins on Nov. 18 when the first batch of pilgrims will arrive.
With streets in Makkah calm, the only activity seems to be that of hotels, eateries and shops preparing for Haj, the busiest time of the year.
Waleed Abu Sabaah, head of the Hotel and Tourism Committee at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said preparations are under way to receive pilgrims. “The Umrah season that closed with Ramadan ended with success and without any incident. According to the Haj minister’s statement there was an increase in the number of pilgrims by 300,000 from last year. The current break is short and similar to a warrior regaining his composure. Things will get very busy when pilgrims arrive for Haj,” he added.
Abu Sabaah said his only fear is some Muslim countries banning their citizens from the Haj because of swine flu. “This has not discouraged citizens of Makkah from preparing for Haj,” he added.
The city’s bakery shops are also gearing up for the huge influx of pilgrims. Adel Kaaki, chairman of the Kaaki chain of bakeries, said that Makkah never sleeps. “Preparations begin early with bakeries acquiring huge quantities of flour for pilgrims. Preparing for Haj can be tiring. The situation is however fine, as the Kingdom has imported 300,000 tons of wheat. The government also increased before Haj the bakeries’ share of wheat,” he said.
Makkah’s 33,000 shops, which include groceries, bakeries, cafes, butcher shops and restaurants, are also making arrangements for the Haj season. Groceries, restaurants and local convenience stores are already stocking their shelves. “There isn’t much time between the end of the Umrah season and the beginning of the Haj season,” said Abdullah Bawazeer, owner of a grocery shop. “The time for relaxation is when the Haj season ends and before the Umrah season begins. Businessmen know how important this season is and therefore prepare early,” he added.
“The markets of Makkah resemble a bee’s nest day and night… everyone knows how important the next months are in terms of profit-making,” Bawazeer added.
Makkah municipality has also been placing rental adverts for stores and providing permits to peddlers. The municipality has also been working hard to complete road construction and cleaning projects, and ensuring streets are well lit, and trees and plants in public places are watered.