We are Spending $87.4bn to Upgrade Hajj Infrastructure – Saudi Authorities

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem, in Jeddah

The Saudi Arabian authorities have disclosed that the Kingdom is coughing out over 87 billion dollars to upgrade the infrastructure in strategic locations across the country.

This is according to the Kingdom’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, meant to ease the performance of Hajj and Umrah rites for Muslims who visit the Holy Land from across the world.

Addressing the Organisation Of Islamic Countries (OIC) conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, the Minister explained that the Kingdom was expending over 200 billion Saudi Riyals (About 54 billion dollars) in the expansion works on the Grand Mosque “being the largest building in history.”

He added that another 60 billion Saudi Riyals (About 16.2 billion dollars) was expended on the two Holy Mosques train project which has greatly reduced travel stress between Makkah and Madinah for pilgrims.

Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah stated that the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah has so far consumed over 64 billion Riyals ( About 17.28 Dollars).

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He re-ecoched the resolve of the Kingdom to make Umrah, Hajj and other visitations easy by extending Umrah Visa from 30 days to 90 in addition to allowing Visa holders to perform Umrah without any hindrance.

The Minister reiterated their resolve to take Umrah and Hajj to the highest level possible through diligent implementation of the Pilgrims Experience Programme, inaugurated by the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, as a crucial component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

He said giant strides have been made in the areas of health, security, logistics and other important sundry services all aimed at ensuring quality and efficient service delivery to pilgrims.