MAKKAH — Aziziyah District, which decades ago was euphemistically called “Valley of Cows,” is now considered the most developed area in Makkah. In the not too distant past, the area was full of cows but now multi-storied buildings have come up in every nook and corner of the district skyrocketing the real estate prices, Al-Riyadh daily reported. Realtors and individuals were wary of investing in the area but since the district, because of its close proximity to Mina, has become a strategic place people have started to come in droves to live. Favorite destination Today, Al-Aziziyah is a favorite place for Makkah residents, investors, and pilgrims alike due to its infrastructure development and strategic location. The district has tall buildings all over, in addition to tunnels and bridges. A majority of landowners who rent their buildings ask the tenants to temporarily evacuate the property during Haj so that they can rent it to pilgrims and make a lot of money. The tenants return to the property after the end of the Haj season. A posh neighborhood Al-Aziziyah is one of the most attractive and popular districts in Makkah, thanks to its malls, restaurants, schools, hospitals, pharmacies, banks and other major facilities. It is divided into northern and southern parts, with the former being closer to Mina and Al-Jamarat and the latter to the Grand Mosque. That is why only those who own millions of riyals can own a land there as the rates have skyrocketed and reached SR40,000 per sq. meter. Yousif Al-Ahmadi is a well-known businessman who has large real estate activities. “The price of one meter has recently jumped to SR70,000 because the district has developed immensely and princes and dignified social figures have built their palaces here. It is the only way leading to the holy sites,” the businessman said. Al-Ahmadi said plots of land located in the center of the district are very expensive because they are closer to Mina and other holy sites. Hotel and building owners who rent their property to pilgrims used to make about SR1.5 billion four years ago and today they make over SR3 billion. Cooperation with government Al-Ahmadi urged businessmen to contribute to the more development of the district and remember that they are part of this country and they should help in making pilgrims and Umrah performers feel more comfortable. “Our government exerts great efforts to ensure that pilgrims enjoy all comforts. Every year, it implements new projects for this purpose and spends hundreds of millions of riyals,” he said. Many pilgrims and Umrah performers who come to Makkah annually notice the major development being implemented in the city and express their admiration, Al-Ahmadi noted.
