Guide
About Makkah
Makkah is home to the Grand Mosque and receives millions of pilgrims every year for Hajj and Umrah. Its economy is shaped by that role more than by any other factor: hotels, restaurants, transport operators, retailers and service companies all organise their business around the pilgrimage calendar, with sharp peaks during Hajj, Ramadan and the main Umrah seasons.
The city had 2,385,509 residents in the 2022 census, making it the third most populous city in the Kingdom. Alongside the visitor economy it has a resident population that needs the usual range of schools, clinics, shops and household services.
Economy and main industries
Hospitality is the largest private industry. Hotels range from towers overlooking the Grand Mosque to budget accommodation in outer districts, and each needs suppliers of food, linen, cleaning, maintenance, security and staffing. Catering companies, bakeries and restaurants operate at very large scale during peak seasons.
Transport is the second major sector. Bus and car services move pilgrims between hotels, the Grand Mosque and the holy sites, and the Haramain High Speed Railway connects the city to Jeddah and Madinah. Retail close to the Haram is geared to visitors, while the outer districts have conventional supermarkets, building suppliers and workshops serving residents.
Large mixed-use developments such as Jabal Omar, next to the Grand Mosque, combine hotels, residential towers and retail, and have changed the commercial geography of the central area.
Main business areas and markets
- Ajyad: a central district beside the Haram and one of the most popular areas for hotels
- Abraj Al Bait: the Clock Tower complex next to the Grand Mosque, another main hotel area
- Jabal Omar: a mixed-use development of hotels, residences and retail adjacent to the Grand Mosque
- Aziziyah: a district further from the Haram, connected by city buses, with hotels, apartments, shops and services used by pilgrims and residents
- Misfalah: another district linked to the Haram by city buses, with accommodation, restaurants and shops
Pilgrimage seasons and business planning
Demand in Makkah is highly seasonal, and many businesses plan their staffing, stock and contracts a year ahead. Hotel suppliers, caterers and transport firms often sign seasonal agreements, and temporary retail and services expand around the Hajj period. Outside the peaks, businesses rely more on Umrah visitors, who come throughout the year.
Companies obtain a Commercial Registration from the Ministry of Commerce and a municipal licence through the Balady platform. Hospitality and pilgrim-services businesses may need additional sector licences. Membership of the Makkah Chamber is the usual route to certificates and local business networks.
Finding businesses in Makkah
People search Makkah for hotels near the Haram, transport and car services, restaurants and caterers, laundries, telecom shops, clinics and pharmacies. Businesses look for hotel suppliers, maintenance contractors and staffing agencies. SaudiYP lists Makkah businesses by category and district.
Frequently asked questions
What is the area code for Makkah?
Makkah uses the 012 landline code, shared with Jeddah, Taif and the rest of Makkah Region.
Which districts are closest to the Grand Mosque?
Ajyad, Abraj Al Bait and Jabal Omar are directly beside or very close to the Haram. Aziziyah and Misfalah are further out and connected by city buses.
How do you travel between Makkah and Jeddah?
The Haramain High Speed Railway links Makkah with Jeddah's Al Sulaymaniyah station and King Abdulaziz International Airport, and continues to King Abdullah Economic City and Madinah.
Is there a chamber of commerce in Makkah?
Yes. The Makkah Chamber is the chamber of commerce for the city, separate from the Jeddah and Taif chambers.