RIYADH: During the penultimate week of Ramadan, Umrah travel operators in the capital have increased their Umrah package from SR250 ($66.67) to SR300 from its pre-season price of SR80.
A leading hotelier in Makkah told Arab News that hotels are nearing 100 percent occupancy at the end of the holy month.
Domestic pilgrims have taken up 95 percent of Makkah central zone hotel reservations made, then canceled, by Qatari and international pilgrims, Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry member Saad Al-Qurashi was quoted as saying by Okaz newspaper. He said the number of Umrah pilgrims during Ramadan increased this year, reaching 300,000.
He said more than 85 percent of hotel rooms in the central zone around the Grand Mosque are occupied. “Makkah hotels are capable of accommodating the increasing numbers of visitors… the number of pilgrims is expected to reach 15 million, and it is planned to accommodate 30 million pilgrims and Umrah performers by 2030.”
This year, the peak season coincides with the summer holidays. A large number of vacationers, including Saudis, are expected to participate in the pilgrimage this year.
Meanwhile, hospital and health facilities in Makkah have treated 50,000 emergency cases during the first three weeks of the holy month. The Makkah Health Affairs General Directorate said the number of cases admitted to Makkah hospitals numbered more than 5,000 since the beginning of Ramadan. Besides hospital cases, more than 27,000 patients were seen at clinics, and more than 600 babies were delivered.
With 3 more days to go for Ramadan, Umrah package price soars
With 3 more days to go for Ramadan, Umrah package price soars
Red Sea Global unveils scientific model for regenerative tourism worldwide
- The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by studies covering 8 marine habitats
TABUK: Red Sea Global (RSG) has unveiled a science-based model aimed at achieving a 30% net positive conservation benefit across its tourism destinations by 2040.
The framework is now available for global adoption, according to a statement released by RSG.
Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Red Sea Global is the multi-project developer behind ambitious regenerative tourism destinations like “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA.”
As a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the company aims to diversify the national economy while setting new global benchmarks for sustainable, nature-positive development.
CEO John Pagano stated that openly sharing this detailed approach will help elevate the global tourism sector and secure a healthier environment for future generations.
The cornerstone of this initiative is the proprietary SIIG Model, a four-step framework:
• Survey: Establish biodiversity baselines and monitor long-term changes.
• Identify: Assess risks to priority habitats and species.
• Intervene: Execute evidence-based actions, such as regulating fishing and enhancing natural habitats.
• Gain: Measure and verify biodiversity improvements.
The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by extensive 2022–2023 environmental baseline studies covering eight marine habitats and priority species groups during 2022 and 2023.
A major intervention is the 5,015-square-kilometer Fishery Management Area in Al-Wajh Lagoon. The plan reserves 38% of the area for priority conservation—protecting 62% of local coral reefs—while allocating 61% for sustainable fishing.
According to scientific modeling, eliminating fishing in high-protection zones could increase reef fish populations by 113%, sharks and rays by 72%, and marine mammals by 24%. These measures are expected to boost coral resilience, support ecosystem recovery, and protect vulnerable species like sea turtles and seabirds.
Ihab Kindi, RSG’s Red Sea Destination Executive Director, called the data-driven model a practical roadmap for large-scale marine recovery. The complete methodology is available in the new report, “The SIIG Model: A Roadmap Toward Achieving Measurable Conservation Gains.”
