There will be no shortage in pilgrim accommodations this year despite the demolition of more than 1,600 residential units for the northern expansion work of Haram, said Osama Al-Bar, Makkah mayor. Existing hotels and apartment complexes can accommodate up to 3 million pilgrims, he said, referring to the annual Haj pilgrimage in December. Pilgrim housing inspection teams have granted more than 3,000 business licenses for pilgrim housing this year, he said. The mayor also said that development projects at Makkah's entry points have been suspended pending a clearer picture of the broader overhaul plan for the holy city. However, he added that a new development project of Islamic heritage sites, including Hera cave in Mount Noor, where Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) received the first revelation from Allah through Angel Gabriel, will be launched soon by private companies. The development includes Thor Cave where Prophet Muhammad and his companion Abu Baker spent their first days of Hijra (or Muslim immigration from Makkah to Mandina) hiding from the Quraish tribe. Land acquisition for development work is continuing, the mayor said, urging owners of acquired properties to personally proceed with their compensation paperwork. “There is no need for a commissioned proxy to finish the compensation payment because they are so simple to do,” he said. – Okaz __
