The second day of the Makkah Economic Forum held in Jeddah themed “From Vision to Prosperity: Invest in Makkah,” uncovered 8 investment opportunities in the Hajj and Umrah sector valued at about $160 million.
During a session entitled "Investment Opportunities in the Hajj and Umrah Sector", Ahmed al-Zaydi of Makkah Region Development Authority, said the Authority launched the first package of investment opportunities which includes 8 major investment projects, namely the development of historic sites in al-Noor and Thur Mountains in Makkah, as well as Mount Ramah and Urwah bin Zubair Palace in Madinah.
He also explained that developments will include museums, gift shops, transport offices, restaurants, car services and restrooms, as well as multi-purpose shops.
He mentioned a project to establish a specialized trade center to display "Made in Makkah" and "Made in Madinah” products. It aims to support and develop handicrafts, handmade products, pastries and desserts, as well as logistical services. The center will also provide training courses for the suppliers.
The session also reviewed the benefits of the food provided to pilgrims in the south of Muzdalifah and methods to promote and develop the food, packaging, production and manufacturing of meals, pastries, sweets and beverages.
The session highlighted the project of Madinah Station which includes the construction of service buildings, facilities, storage depots and a shopping center. In addition, the station has a project of support services for people with special needs and provides assistance to the elderly and people with special needs.
During an open meeting at the forum, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mohammed Benten spoke about the most important investment opportunities in the field of serving the guests of the Two Holy Mosques.
He pointed out that the ministry is encouraging SMEs to invest in Umrah companies, indicating that it prepared feasibility studies on ways to facilitate procedures and improve the business environment.
The Forum also discussed several issues with investment leaders and government bodies during sessions entitled "How Can Vision 2030 Meet Emerging Needs of Pilgrims" and "Investments in Transport and Energy".
Director General of Passports, Major General Sulaiman al-Yahya, said that the passports authority provided 144 counters with an average of 40 seconds of service for each pilgrim. It will also provide interpretation services in several languages for pilgrims and visitors.
Assistant Minister of Finance for Technical and Financial Affairs Hindi al-Suhaimi pointed out that the ministry aims to enhance the participation of the private sector and support SMEs. The ministry also established an office to manage and supervise projects such as the development of Zamzam well in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.
A meeting was also held to discuss investments in the transport and hospitality sectors to serve pilgrims, attended by Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdulhakim al-Tamimi and Sultan Mufti of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), CEO of Jabal Omar Development Company Yasir al-Sharif and head of General Authority of Civil Aviation Abdullah al-Raimi.
The meeting discussed the importance of supporting and encouraging national companies to become leading brands in the field of hospitality at the international level.
At the end, recommendations included enhancing integration between the hospitality and other sectors such as security, transport and all other Hajj and Umrah sectors.
