Umrah to generate SR 200b revenue by 2020

Makkah - With about 50 Umrah companies currently operational, 100 new companies shall be given license after this year's Haj season.

With over five million people expected to perform Umrah every year, it is likely to bring a hug impetus to the revenue of  Saudi Arabia.
According to Saad Bin Jameel Al-Qurashi, former member of the National Haj and Umrah Committee of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Umrah season is estimated to generate the revenue of over Saudi Riyal 200 billion by 2020.
"The pilgrims will arrive in Saudi Arabia over nine months which is the duration of the Umrah season that begins on the first day of the month of Safar (second month in the Islamic calendar) until the end on Shawwal (the 10th month)," Saudi Gazette quoted him say.
He revealed that all infrastructural projects in Makkah and Madinah have been completed which include Haramanian express train. The train will transport 9000 pilgrims in an hour.
"The expansion of the Haj and Umrah services within the Saudi 2030 Vision will provide job opportunities for more than 30,000 young Saudi men and women who will be working in various sectors including accommodation and transport," Qurashi said.
With about 50 Umrah companies currently operational, 100 new companies shall be given license after this year's Haj season.

• Saudi Arabia