All Saudi companies providing low-cost Haj packages have been told to abide by the new fares. (File photo: Reuters)
Low-cost hajj begins from $800, says Saudi ministry
All Saudi companies providing low-cost hajj packages have been told to abide by the new fares.
The Saudi hajj ministry has decided that the low-cost hajj this year will range between SR3,000 ($800) and SR5,000.
The ministry has informed all 72 local companies providing low-cost hajj packages to abide by the new fares.
According to the ministry, the hajj fare in the camps classified at A-1 will be SR5,000 going down to SR4,800 in the A-2 camps; SR4,400 in the B category; SR4,150 in the C class; SR3,900 in the D-1 bracket; SR3,500 in the D-2 class; and SR3,000 in the E camps.
The ministry said the companies might add SR250, which is the price of an Al-Mashaer train ticket, to the costs.
It said the camps in Mina and Arafat will be provided with all services including three meals, water, soft drinks, hot drinks, a medical doctor, security guards and around the clock cleaning.
The ministry said the buses transporting the pilgrims should not be older than 2006 models.
It also said the service-providing companies should serve the pilgrims with dry meals in Muzdalifah, where they stay for a night before proceeding to Mina and Makkah.
This was first published in the Saudi Gazette.
