Okaz/Saudi Gazette MAKKAH — Pilgrims can save up to 15 percent of accommodation expenses by selecting hotels available on the new Umrah services website launched two weeks ago, said Vice President of the National Committee for Haj and Umrah Affairs Abdullah Qadhi. "We list standard rates for hotels. E-services facilitate and expedite procedures. What used to take 24 hours, will now take a few seconds," said Qadhi. He also said pilgrims can now directly contact hotels and do their own bookings rather than use the services of an agent. Qadhi said the new website includes all features, from Umrah packages to hotel availability. Pilgrims can select their package and services and process their payments. "We held an introductory workshop on the new website at Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The workshop was attended by Umrah services companies and Sejel Electronic Systems Company," said Qadhi. "We are expecting 25 percent more pilgrims than last season when 6 million pilgrims arrived for Umrah. The new website includes all features, from Umrah packages to hotel availability. Pilgrims can select their package and services and process their payment," said Qadhi. Having all features in one website curbs exploitation, he added. "The website was newly launched and Sejel Electronic Systems Company is working on developing it. The company will be available for technical support throughout the day, every day of the week. We have built the website according to international standards. The Ministry of Haj has sponsored the project in order to facilitate pilgrimage for Muslims all over the world," said Qadhi. Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday, Qadhi said representatives of Sejel explained to Umrah companies the benefits of registering in the system. Experts from Sejel at the workshop also taught employees of Umrah companies how to make bookings through the system. He said all Umrah companies have already registered in the system and all hotels must register through simplified steps for an appointment to obtain a pin number from the Ministry of Haj to deal with Umrah companies through the system. The meeting was arranged with the coordination of the National Committee for Haj and Umrah. Saudi Arabia is planning to triple the number of Umrah visas. As many as 1.25 million pilgrims are expected to arrive each month starting next year. This compares with 400,000 a month now. The new system would allow full use of massive expansion projects at the holy sites. The number had declined, particularly because of a multi-billion-dollar expansion which began four years ago at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
