The Makkah Chamber of Commerce has allocated 2500 fully serviced hotel rooms for citizens of countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that are stranded at airports throughout Saudi Arabia due to widespread travel disruptions.
The decision is in response to a directive issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who gave approval to host GCC nationals until they are able to safely return to their home countries.
The royal directive focuses on taking care of the comfort and well-being of stranded travellers. It also calls for adopting all possible procedures in order to receive, host and contribute to the support of the affected citizens during their stay.
Regional tensions have caused flights to be suspended and schedules to be changed by a number of airlines. As a result many passengers from Gulf states found themselves being stranded in and across the airports in the Kingdom and in the region.
The Makkah Chamber said it had acted quickly after the directive was issued. It coordinated with relevant authorities to organise places of accommodation and necessary services without delay.
Abdulmohsen Al-Ajlan, Chairman of the Hotels and Tourism Committee of the chamber, confirmed that 2,500 hotel rooms were ready. He added that comprehensive support services to ensure proper hospitality and care were made.
According to Al-Ajlan, the initiative represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to stand by its Gulf partners in times of difficulty. He said the move is a demonstration of the Kingdom’s solidarity and preparation to assist neighbouring states.
Officials said there is no barrier as Makkah is open and welcome for those who need help. The comfort and dignity of guests during their stay is a priority.
The temporary measure of accommodation is to relieve the immediate hardship of the stranded travellers.
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