Mecca’s mega push in religious tourism

Cranes working on the new extension of the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Saudi Arabia is pumping billions into the holy city to meet its ambitious economic targets. — AP

BILLBOARDS line the Umm Al Qura highway leading to the Grand Mosque in Mecca, displaying manicured public spaces, glass-fronted stores and sleek towers.

It’s part of a US$26bil (RM121.4bil) project to bring more Muslims to the holy city’s high-end hotels, residences, retailers and restaurants.