The Challenges of Hajj Travel Should Not Distract Us from the Efforts of Tunisian Families to Prepare Pilgrims for the Hajj
As we approach the departure of the Tunisian delegation to the Holy Sites, discussions are underway about the costs and expenses associated with the trip. Gone are the days when a budget of less than 10,000 dinars could cover all the necessary expenses.
The impact of inflation and fluctuations in exchange rates has significantly affected the calculations and estimates made for the Hajj pilgrimage. The distribution of the budget between flights, accommodation, and services at the Holy Sites is constantly changing, influenced by uncertain and even threatening political conditions.
Despite efforts to reduce costs and avoid overcharging, prices have exceeded 25,000 dinars (including personal costs and expenses). This has been the subject of much discussion, and the organization responsible for the trip has been working hard to make the best of it.
It is interesting to note that Tunisians are relatively well-off compared to other countries that prepare their delegations. Here are the average prices of Hajj packages for Mecca from Arab countries (in thousands of dollars):
Hajj Package Prices for Mecca from Arab Countries (in thousands of dollars)
- Qatar: 9.3
- Kuwait: 7.1
- UAE: 6.5
- Libya: 6.5
- Morocco: 6.4
- Bahrain: 6.3
- Egypt: 6.1
- Algeria: 5.9
- Oman: 5.9
- Tunisia: 5.3
- Lebanon: 5.2
- Sudan: 4.7
- Palestine: 4.3
- Jordan: 4.1
- Iraq: 4
- Yemen: 3.4
The number of pilgrims is subject to a quota system (one pilgrim per 1,000 inhabitants). Agreements between the Hajj ministries of Arab countries and Saudi Arabia contribute to the organization of "Economic Hajj" or "Lotto Hajj" programs to reduce costs for low-income pilgrims.
The majority of the Hajj cost is usually allocated to accommodation (hotels near the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina) and air tickets, with additional service fees, including food and transportation on the Holy Sites.
Countries experiencing inflation or currency devaluation (such as Egypt, Lebanon, and Sudan) face a significant increase in real costs, as most services are billed in Saudi riyals or US dollars.
Saudi Arabia has launched the digital platform "Nusuk" to unify reservation procedures, allowing pilgrims from many countries to book their packages directly. This has reduced the role of intermediaries and improved price control.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, pilgrims are better cared for, accompanied, and provided with amenities (accompanying services, medical services, accommodation, transportation, etc.) to perform their rite in the best possible conditions.
Tunisian pilgrims have always benefited from nearby accommodation in Mecca or Medina, and accidents or incidents are often the result of those who deviate from the instructions given by their escorts.
Hajj Mabrour and Dhanb Maghfour!
