“Saudi Arabia never has to worry about foreign competition, as there is only one Mecca and only one Medina. This is a great foundation for building a successful income source. Enabling people to shop, visit museums, attend conferences while performing Umrah is a great strategy for income growth.” 

-Omar Al-Ubaydli, Bahrain-based economist, How Mecca is the lynchpin for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism drive [ABC News]