NUSUK-PILGRIM GIFT EXPO OFFERS PILGRIMS A GLIMPSE INTO MAKKAH’S SOCIOECONOMIC LIFE

From Nurliyana Farhah Ruslan

MAKKAH, May 19 (Bernama) -- Apart from fulfilling their religious obligations, Malaysian haj pilgrims now have the opportunity to explore the local culture and socioeconomic landscape through the NUSUK-Pilgrim Gift Expo held during their stay in the Holy Land.

Malaysian Haj Delegation head, Mohd Hisham Harun, said the expo also serves to broaden pilgrims’ understanding of local companies, particularly those offering products and services tailored for haj needs.

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“This is a valuable programme for our pilgrims to observe and appreciate the Arab community’s culture and business activities.

“It enriches their overall experience and enhances their knowledge of life and economic practices in Makkah,” he told reporters during a visit to the expo yesterday.

To facilitate attendance, Syarikat Musbah has arranged shuttle buses to ferry pilgrims to and from their hotels in Makkah.

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“Transport is scheduled after the Zohor prayer to ensure it does not interfere with the pilgrims’ worship routines.

“Tabung Haji (TH) will coordinate the service to make the journey easier, allowing pilgrims to witness local business culture while gaining meaningful insights during their stay,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the pilgrims, Rahmah Ibrahim, 66, said the prices at the expo were affordable and expressed hope that similar programmes would continue in the future.

“This expo not only showcases SME (small and medium enterprise) products, but the quality is excellent. The atmosphere is pleasant, service is friendly, and customer support is impressive,” she said.

Organised by the Makkah Chamber of Commerce, the expo runs from May 15 to 19, from 10 am to 11 pm, at the Exhibitions and Conferences Centre. It features 68 exhibitors from across Saudi Arabia.

-- BERNAMA