Umrah travel operators in Eastern Province have increased their tour fares of their daily/weekend trips from SR90 to SR200 per passenger. The over 100 percent increase in the fares is being attributed to Umrah rush during the holy month of Ramadan. An unprecedented rush of pilgrims from Eastern Province is expected in the coming days and weekends especially during last 10 days of Ramadan. Umrah travel group offices are having busiest days in these days and booking is made through telephone round the clock. Everyday buses are leaving from various destinations in the province. A slight price difference is seen in the fares between different travel groups based on the condition of their buses and on accommodation provided to pilgrims in Makkah and Madina. Al-Fatheh Umrah Package & Tours, a leading Umrah travel group, here told Saudi Gazette that the price is increased due to high demand of rooms and non-availability of accommodation in Makkah and Madina. “The bus owners have also increased their trip charges,” he said. More than 300 luxury coaches carrying Umrah passengers are scheduled to leave in the coming days for the holy cities from Dammam, Al-Khobar, Jubail, Ras Tanura and Qatif areas. Some of the other Umrah tour operators provide four or five-day package to Makkah and Madina, including travel and accommodation and it costs SR350-450 per person normally. The offer includes two-day stay in Madina and three-day lodging in Makkah. Saptco is also operating a special Umrah trip service on a daily basis. Bus leaves Dammam at 11 P.M. For the round trip it costs SR 200 as special fare. Pilgrim can come back from Makkah any time they want. Saptco buses stop at three points for Iftar, Suhoor and to allow pilgrims to change into Ihram. Pilgrims are given one hour to wear their Ihrams at the Meeqat point in Taif, an official told Saudi Gazette. Meanwhile, various Islamic and Cultral Centers and Dawah groups, are organizing concessional trips to Makkah. An organizer for such group said luxury coaches would leave from Dammam every weekend and preference would be given to recent converts to Islam and bookings are being offered on a first-come-first
