Makkah's gift shops are doing a roaring trade thanks to the three million Haj pilgrims converging on the city. Perfumes and clothes are some of the more popular gifts this year. However, Zamzam water, as always, is the most popular. Among the most valued gifts are beautiful crystal models of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madina. As usual gold is the most expensive item with a variety of internationally acclaimed Saudi gold ornaments available. However, shopkeepers have expressed their dismay that because of high gold prices, pilgrims are not buying as much as in previous years. Every year customers spend about SR20 billion in Makkah with about SR5 billion spent on souvenirs alone. An economist told the Saudi Gazette: “We estimate that the purchase of souvenirs accounts for 10-17 percent of the typical Haj or Umrah pilgrim's budget. However, this percentage is much higher for pilgrims from wealthier GCC countries.” A Makkah shopkeeper said: “Pilgrims are especially keen on iconic Saudi goods such as thobes, Shmagh (headscarves for men) and handicrafts that convey the atmosphere of Makkah and the holy sites.” The tremendous demand for Saudi handicrafts during the Haj, Umrah and summer season has led to the creation of a national project for developing handicrafts, which encourages craftsmen to develop goods for the pilgrim market. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) launched the project as part of its Saudization initiative. Pilgrims are also snapping up souvenirs related to the Ka'ba and the Grand Mosque. The city's shopkeepers have made sure they are well stocked with gifts and souvenirs. These include electronic goods, pictures of the two holy mosques, audio cassettes of Qur'an recitations in the Grand Mosque and world famous Makkah and Madina sweets. Other novelties include digital alarms with the Makkah call for prayer and wall clocks with pictures of the Holy Ka'ba and the two holy mosques. Last year the industrial committee for the Makkah chamber of commerce set up a shareholding company to support local businesses. It was established at the request of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, who wants “to see the ‘Made in Makkah' logo on goods in the streets”. It is hoped this scheme will eventually provide employment for around 5,000 people.
