Brand growth in the holy sites by 127%
Kadana Development and Investment Company, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, announced an exceptional achievement and an unprecedented leap in attracting commercial investments. A significant increase in the number of brands operating in the Holy Sites in preparation for the 1447 AH Hajj season. The total number of participating brands reached 66, representing a record growth rate of 127% compared to the previous season, which saw only 29 participating brands.
A remarkable development in attracting brands in the holy sites
This season saw the addition of 37 new brands participating for the first time in providing services to pilgrims, reflecting growing confidence in the investment environment dedicated to serving Hajj. As part of operational readiness efforts, more than 410 retail outlets have been leased, encompassing a diverse range of vital sectors such as groceries, restaurants, cafes, banking and healthcare services, as well as charitable activities and barbershops. This step coincides with enhancing the operational and commercial service system and diversifying the options offered to pilgrims. Kadana continues its work developing, equipping, and handing over retail outlets to ensure the provision of the best possible services during the Hajj season.
The historic transformation journey of services for pilgrims
Given the overall context and historical background, we find that the provision of services during Hajj has undergone radical transformations over the decades. In the past, services relied primarily on individual efforts and the limited local resources provided by the people of Mecca. With the increasing number of pilgrims and the development of modern transportation, the Saudi Arabian government recognized the urgent need to institutionalize these services and develop the infrastructure. This led to the establishment of the Royal Commission for Mecca and the Holy Sites, from which the company "Kadana" emerged, directly responsible for improving services in Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat. This historical shift from haphazardness to precise institutional organization paved the way for the success of attracting major companies today.
The economic and service impact of the Hajj season of 1447 AH
This investment expansion is of paramount importance and has a multifaceted impact. Locally, the presence of such a large number of companies contributes to creating seasonal job opportunities for Saudi youth and stimulating economic activity in Mecca, which aligns closely with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at enriching the Hajj and Umrah experience and increasing the capacity to host millions of Muslims.
At both the regional and international levels, providing high-quality, standardized services through leading companies enhances the Kingdom's positive image as a nation capable of efficiently and effectively managing the world's largest annual human gathering. Ensuring pilgrims from the farthest corners of the earth have access to reliable and secure health, food, and banking services guarantees they can perform their rituals in a healthy and comfortable environment, positively impacting their spiritual experience and reaffirming the Kingdom's leadership in crowd management and the provision of the highest standards of Islamic hospitality.
