Umrah revenue touch SAR12 billion
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The booming religious tourism industry in Saudi Arabia is quantified with number of pilgrims coming for Umrah.
This has been increasing annually, economists are estimating the Umrah season revenue for this year may reach SAR12 billion. The boom is due to increased economic power of Muslims, easy and direct flights globally and increased facilities at the two Holy Harams.
Economist Abdulaziz Daghustani said: “According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the highest number of pilgrims reached SAR5.8 million. With the low rate of over-stayers this year, more pilgrims were able to come.”
Saudi Economic Association member Ossam Khalifah said the retail industry and kiosks on the street are constantly raising their prices. “Pilgrims mostly buy prayer mats, clothes, misbahas and gold due to its quality here.”
He added a forum on Umrah economics should be held to discuss strategies to use Umrah revenues. “We need to open local factories in Makkah and Madinah to produce local products instead of imported ones for pilgrims to purchase. With the completion of the expansion project next year, an even higher number of pilgrims are expected,” said Khalifah.
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