A total of 1,845,045 pilgrims performed the Hajj (June 26 to July 1) this year, according to figures released by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
Saudi Arabia recently announced a change to its visa rules that will make it easier for Muslims to travel to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, particularly for Umrah. This is expected to lead to a significant increase in tourism to these cities, as well as to the wider kingdom.
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Work is nearing completion on the first phase of the SR26-billion ($7 billion) Thakher Makkah project, while the second phase of the 320,000-sq-m mixed-use development located 1 km from the Grand Mosque (Haram), will be delivered next year, says Thakher Development Company.
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced the start of work on its new SR1.3 billion ($346.5 million) entertainment destination in Madinah. BUJV, a joint venture between Al Bawani Company and UrbaCon Trading & Contracting, is implementing the construction works.
