Several Haj service providers continue to flaunt the names of scholars and sheikhs in their marketing campaigns to lure pilgrims into paying higher fees despite the Ministry of Haj banning this practice.

The companies exploit the names of renowned sheikhs as a pretext for increasing their rates beyond normal prices.

Sources said the Haj Ministry banned Umrah and Haj service providers from publicizing the names and photos of sheikhs and preachers in their campaigns, warning that violators will be subjected to fines and penalties. The ministry allows the companies to hire religious guides and preachers but has prohibited them from using their names for commercial gain.

Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Abdel Aziz, a preacher, said exploiting the names of renowned sheikhs is bound to increase prices. “This is against the regulations issued by the Ministry,” he said. “Companies should not take advantage of pilgrims.”

Muhammad Al-Harbi, a citizen who approached a Haj service provider, said prices reached SR18,000 because the office hires a renowned sheikh for offering Haj services.

Al-Harbi called on authorities to deal firmly and strictly with those who exploit the system for financial gain.

Hatem Qadhi, undersecretary of the Haj Ministry, said the Ministry issued mandatory directions to Haj service providers not to exaggerate prices for domestic pilgrims.