Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Mohammed Benten said that Saudi ambition is very great in realizing Vision 2030, especially in the Hajj and Umrah issue, which is shared by 32 government agencies to implement the program and the ambitious plan to motivate and facilitate the arrival of many guests.

Benten pointed to the need for easier procedures, from obtaining the visa to the borders' processes and procedures within Mecca and Medina, stressing that the Ministry of Hajj will continue to implement self-service for each pilgrim adding that 280 new companies were authorized.

Minister of Hajj indicated that the plans target non-elderly age groups for Umrah, stressing that some services outside the four and five star hotels are weak and need further development and investment to establish an easier flow of visitors.

Minister of Commerce and Investment Majid al-Qasabi said that Saudi Arabia is witnessing extraordinary reforms to improve the business environment for investment and strengthening partnership with the private sector and support small and medium enterprises.

“We are undergoing a major economic reform” indicated Qassabi who added that it is time for everyone to “roll their sleeves” and work diligently in the Hajj and Umrah sector. 

“This is an investment that is not related to the price of oil, nor its decline, nor to the economic downturn, but remains forever,” he indicated.

The minister explained that investing in this sector benefits pilgrims especially in this sector’s promising opportunities that should be developed and realized.

In turn, Assistant Minister of Finance for Technical and Financial Affairs Hindi al-Suhaimi also indicated that the projects in Mecca are under the management of the Office of Project Management with Saudi competencies and expertise. 

He unveiled that the third Saudi expansion will be completed soon as possible, and indicated that several other projects has been completed such as the project to prepare Zamzam well.

Source: https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1283676/saudi-arabia-seeks-private-investments-hajj