Muslim pilgrims head to Mecca for hajj despite surge in travel costs
Hajj at Mecca
Global inflation and higher prices for hajj services have failed to make a dent in the plans of thousands of pilgrims who have reached Saudi Arabia.
During hajj, a vast crowd of men wrapped in white and women dressed mostly in black, encircle the Kaaba in Mecca's Holy Mosque.
Spiritual journey
Many pilgrims said they were happy to take the spiritual journey and buy gifts for their family members despite high prices.
"Even if I had to sell everything to come (to Hajj), I would have done it... I have been trying for three years already," said Alameer Eid Al-Omar, a 52-year-old pilgrim from Egypt.
Business for merchants of Mecca
However, while the prices are going through the roof, such devotion provides business for the merchants of Mecca.
"The demand for prayer beads is way higher than in the previous years, including before the pandemic," said shop manager Abdullah Abbas. "All nationalities buy beads," he added.
Costs are way higher than last time, pilgrims say
Palestinian pilgrim Abu Anas Abu Rahal was hoping to find cheaper lodgings for a week-long stay in Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia. He says that pilgrims last year paid the same price for a package that included flights.
More than 2 million hajj pilgrims are expected to attend the 2023 pilgrimage season this week in Mecca and Medina.
But, devotion has prevailed over everything
The 65-year-old struggled to pay the bill despite choosing the cheapest-offered package, which included travelling to Saudi Arabia by land and sharing hotel rooms with other pilgrims.
"I was asking for a fourth option, with a farther hotel which could be half cheaper. The prices and the choices that have been given are embarrassing, to be honest," Abu Rahal said.
"For the sake of the holy mosque and seeing the Kaaba... everything is worth it, but the economic conditions are really tough," he added.
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