June 8 - Hajj costs for Egyptians have gone up by 14 per cent this year given the rise in the price of accommodation in Makkah, said officials in Egypt in charge of Hajj.
Officials explained that the increase in rates are mostly because Hajj service providers as well as hotel and apartment owners around the Haram have hiked prices up for this season, prices which have been approved by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
Muhammad Tawfiq, CEO of the National Organisation for the Affairs of Haj and Umrah in Egypt stated that the cost of performing Hajj for those who come with welfare societies will be around 16,000 to 22,000 Egyptian pounds. For those who come with tourist companies the cost will be around 60,000 pounds and it will be 140,000 pounds for express Hajis who stay in five-star hotels in the kingdom for four days.
Around 80,000 pilgrims from Egypt are expected to perform Hajj this year.