Haj, a once-in-a-lifetime duty for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it, is a major source of income for the Saudi government from worshippers' lodging, transport, fees and gifts.
MECCA, Saudi Arabia – Palestinian pilgrim Abu Anas Abu Rahal was hoping to find cheaper lodgings for a week-long stay in Islam’s holiest sites in Saudi Arabia, as the minimum cost for the hajj pilgrimage climbed to 26,000 riyals this year. His options were limited.
“I was asking for a fourth option, with a farther hotel which could be half cheaper. The prices and the choices that have been given are embarrassing to be honest,” Abu Rahal said, adding that pilgrims last year paid the same price for a package that included flights. Abu Rahal was one of more than 2 million haj pilgrims expected to attend the 2023 pilgrimage season this week in Mecca and Medina, defying global inflation and higher prices for haj services.
Haj, a once-in-a-lifetime duty for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it, is a major source of income for the Saudi government from worshippers’ lodging, transport, fees and gifts.The kingdom earned about $12 billion annually from the 2.6 million pilgrims that used to visit Mecca and Medina for haj, and another 19 million visitors for the umrah, according to official data for 2019, or the last year before the pandemic hit the global travel industry.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Certification of OFWS in Saudi, UAE resumes | Roderick L. AbadTHE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) announced it resumes the conduct of its Overseas Assessment Program (OAP) expected to be awarded to more than a thousand overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East. This came after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for an upgrade and diversification…
Read more »
Huge crowds circle Kaaba as hajj begins in Saudi heatMECCA, Saudi Arabia -- Vast crowds of robed pilgrims made solemn circles around the Kaaba, the black cube at Mecca's Grand Mosque, on Sunday as the biggest hajj pilgrimage in years began in the heat of the Saudi summer.
Read more »
What is the Hajj pilgrimage and what does it mean for Muslims?MECCA, Saudi Arabia: Over 2 million Muslims will take part in this week's Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, as one of the world's largest religious gatherings returns to full capacity following years of coronavirus restrictions.
Read more »
‘God’s guests’: Saudis safeguard hajj hospitality traditionBraving the scorching Saudi heat, Mecca resident Amer Abdullah distributed free tea and bread to worshippers performing the annual hajj pilgrimage, honoring a long-standing tradition in Islam’s holiest city. | AFP
Read more »
Where to eat: This new Maginhawa restaurant is every ramyeon lover’s dream and moreRamyeon lovers will surely have their fill at this new Ramyeon Bar nestled in Maginhawa’s food strip. | via philstarlife
Read more »
Some areas to have no water for 13 hours daily until August 8Some areas being serviced by Maynilad will have no water for 13 hours every day starting Wednesday, June 28 until August 8, 2023. READ HERE:
Read more »