JEDDAH: The massive development taking place in the Aziziah district of Makkah has seen it turn into an ideal accommodation area for pilgrims, and a hub for investors.

Some observers say that it has now become the second-most important location after the central area in the heart of Makkah, according to a report in a local publication recently.

The boom has seen the building of several residential complexes, following the government’s construction and upgrade of several bridges and tunnels.

Due to the large numbers of Haj and Umrah pilgrims seeking accommodation, some building owners have been forcing out their tenants so that they can rent them out for higher rents.

Aziziah has become one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Makkah, with schools, shops, malls, restaurants, pharmacies, banks, telecommunication companies, Umm Al-Qura University’s headquarters for men, and the Education Department’s office.

The neighborhood is divided into the northern and southern areas, with the former closer to the Jamarat in Mina, where the ritual stoning of Satan takes place during Haj, and the latter close to the Grand Mosque.

Property prices have soared SR40,000 to SR70,000 per square meter — a gold mine for investors. Yousuf Al-Ahmadi, a well-known businessman and real estate expert, said the area is booming because of “great government support.”

Al-Ahmadi urged Saudi businesspeople to cooperate with the government to ensure that projects are completed to serve pilgrims. He said the late Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz had said that it was only through cooperation between government and citizens that the country would achieve great heights.

Bader Al-Otaibi, a Saudi citizen, said that because of the new developments he now heads to the Aziziah area when he wants to perform Haj or Umrah, rather than to the central area.