MAKKAH: For visitors and pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, spending Eid in the two holy cities is an enriching experience and an opportunity to learn about Saudi culture firsthand.
The hotels in the holy cities eagerly welcome guests with typical Saudi cuisine and coffee, as well as a cheerful ambiance on the days of the festivities.
Dawla Al-Malki, front office manager at Hilton Riyadh Olaya, told Arab News: “Employees in the hospitality industry consider serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to be an incredible honor. They feel obligated to treat pilgrims, who are regarded as the most important guests, with respect and to deliver the service properly.”
Al-Malki explained: “All those in charge of hotels in Makkah are aware of the importance of this occasion and the need for pilgrims to feel the beauty and joy of Eid during these blessed days.”
After a month of fasting, hotel staff were eager to look after pilgrims and create the right celebratory environment, “because this joy is an extension of a faith journey that leaves a great impact on visitors,” she said.
Most hotels prepare celebration meals for three days of Eid Al-Fitr. Al-Malki said: “With decorations made specifically for the event, visitors get an amazing experience learning about Saudi culture.”
She said that some hotels featured artwork from southern Saudi Arabia and the traditional sadu weave, while others highlighted the beauty of Makkah’s mountains and landscape or showcased the hospitality and desert culture of the Kingdom.
“Some visitors consider this as their only opportunity in life to visit Makkah, so they leave it filled with memories and joy, with hotels turning into one family brought together by happiness over the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations following a month of fasting,” Al-Malki said.
Al-Malki said that Saudis in all regions were welcoming and hospitable. “Saudis cherish hosting the Kingdom’s visitors, especially pilgrims, with everyone sparing no effort to provide assistance and hospitality, ensuring they honor all visitors of Saudi Arabia which strives to serve pilgrims.”
Ali Shawkat, an Umrah pilgrim from India, said that this year he would spend Eid with his wife in Makkah, away from his family and children, but that he felt very welcome here. “Makkah is one of the most hospitable places in the world due to the generosity of the Saudis,” he said.
Marwan Al-Husseini, an Egyptian pilgrim, said that he was grateful that “Saudis in the hotel and other sectors exert their utmost effort to provide comfort for Umrah pilgrims, meeting their requirements and necessities, and offering advice and guidance.”
