Occupancy rates at furnished apartments rose dramatically in the aftermath of the floods, with some owners reporting close to full houses because of the inflow of flood victims. Mohammed Al-Amri, Executive Manager of the Supreme Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) said the situation was made difficult because of the Haj pilgrims staying at many of these apartments. Homes had to be provided for 23,000 people, both Saudis and expatriates. “The rate of occupancy at furnished apartments in Jeddah was close to 98 percent in the first week after the flood.” According to Al-Amri, after the pilgrims left, the rate was 87 percent. The payment for the apartments was guaranteed by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Reports from employees at some furnished apartment blocks, confirmed that they were almost fully occupied. “We received 13 families and have 24 apartments,” said Mohammed Hussain, a reception employee in Dar Al-Fahad furnished apartments located in Al-Madina road. “The Ministry of Commerce and the SCTA determined the rental for the apartments, so the evacuated families will not pay any money. They have an apartment for free.” Saeed Hassan, an employee at Arees Suites, also confirmed a high rate of occupancy in the wake of the flood, especially with some pilgrims still staying there. “In the beginning it was like facing a rush season especially with the presence of pilgrims, but now most of them have left.” “Now we have six families living here for an unlimited time with the Ministry of Finance paying for their accommodation,” he said.
