Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Dozens of Makkah buildings which had been licensed for Haj accommodation remain unoccupied following the Ministry of Haj's decision to reduce pilgrim quotas. The cut in the quotas has been ordered due to the vast expansion projects in the Two Holy Mosques and other ritual sites, Al-Madinah daily reported. Most of the unoccupied buildings are located in Al-Mabeda, Al-Aziziya, Al-Zahir, and Al-Mansoor neighborhoods while some are situated near the Central Area of the Grand Mosque. Despite their strategic locations, these buildings have not succeeded in attracting any pilgrims this year. The reason is that the imposing residential towers that can accommodate over 1,000 pilgrims have been the favorite place for many Haj delegation leaders who prefer to let their pilgrims stay in a tower instead of a smaller building. Buildings usually accommodate between 200-500 pilgrims and the owners of such buildings will miss a chance to benefit from housing revenues estimated to be SR3 billion. Abdulaziz Al-Harbi, a building owner, says he used to rent his two buildings quickly in previous years but this year he has not found any Haj delegation interested in renting any of the two buildings. Rent costs a pilgrim between SR1,000-SR3,000, he said. Although Al-Harbi reduced this amount, he could not succeed in attracting any overseas Haj company. “I'm still hopeful that I'll rent both buildings before the Haj season although there's no much time left.” Zuhair Makki, head of the Haj accommodation inspection committee, told Al-Madinah that the committee has issued 5,300 housing licenses for buildings over the past 10 months. He noted that the licensed buildings can accommodate up to 1.5 million pilgrims this season. Licenses are usually valid for three years and the buildings are normally inspected by certified engineering offices to ensure that the buildings are safe and in compliance with the committee's regulations and requirements. The offices are approved by Makkah Municipality and Makkah Civil Defense.
