More than 30,000 pilgrims have visited Jeddah’s historic district since the beginning of August, said Awad Al-Maliki, mayor of the city’s historical area.

He said pilgrims usually visit the area and popular Balad markets to shop and buy souvenirs for their relatives.

Popular tourist attractions include the historic Nassif House, the Al-Alawi historic market, Nassif Park, Qabel Street, Al-Nada Market, Al-Shafi’i Mosque, and the Jeddah Gate, he said. Visitors often buy souvenir bags containing prayer rugs, the Holy Qur’an, and rosary beads.

Saeed Saleh and Ahmed Hassan, salesmen at a rug shop, said business in the area was typically brisk during this period. They said item prices in the district are fairly steady, but may be slightly higher due to the intensity of demand.

Hamid Al-Adani, salesman at a women’s fabric shop in Qabel Street market, said pilgrims visiting Jeddah usually spend their time visiting tourist attractions and buying various gifts from the popular historic Jeddah markets.

He urged store owners in the district to welcome the visiting pilgrims and to unify prices of items in order to provide them with the best services during their stay in the Kingdom.