Desert Pearl Hospitality and Tourism Group

Al Hajj and Makkah: A Journey of Faith and Hospitality Introduction Makkah is the holiest city in Islam and the heart of the Muslim world. Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Makkah to perform   Hajj   or   Umrah . Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required at least once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is able physically and financially. This journey is not only about rituals but also about unity, equality, and spiritual renewal. Makkah, over the years, has changed from a small desert city into one of the busiest centers of religious tourism in the world. Historical Background For centuries, Muslims from different parts of the world traveled long and hard journeys to reach Makkah. In the past, pilgrims crossed deserts on camels, walked for days, or took slow ships across seas. The journey was dangerous, but people still made it because of the strong spiritual meaning of Hajj. Hospitality was simple, as local families often hosted pilgrims in their h...

 FROM DESERT TO PEARL THE TRANSFORMATION OF SAUDI HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM Abstract This paper examines the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism industry, tracing its journey “from desert to pearl.” For much of the past century, tourism was defined by pilgrimage and limited facilities. Today, under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a global tourism hub with advanced infrastructure, diverse attractions, and cultural engagement. Using the metaphor of the pearl, the research highlights how the Kingdom has polished its natural and cultural resources into valuable assets, balancing heritage with modernization. Introduction Saudi Arabia’s identity has long been linked to its deserts and religious sites, particularly Makkah and Al Madinah. Historically, hospitality and tourism were modest, rooted in religious pilgrimage and simple accommodations. In recent decades, however, the Kingdom has sought to redefine itself as more than a desert land, reshaping its image ...