New retail outlets in Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat to provide seamless access to high-quality essentials for 1.5 million global pilgrims.
MAKKAH: As Saudi Arabia finalizes comprehensive arrangements to welcome approximately 1.5 million pilgrims from across the globe for the annual Hajj season, retail major Lulu Group has significantly expanded its presence in the holy sites. To ensure a smooth, comfortable, and well-facilitated journey for the faithful, the group has launched 10 dedicated stores across strategic pilgrimage locations.
The newly operational outlets are situated within the key pilgrimage zones of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat. This expansion is designed to provide pilgrims with immediate and convenient access to daily essentials, thereby minimizing logistical challenges during their spiritual journey.
The initiative comes as part of the prestigious Kidana project, an undertaking supervised by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites. The project is a core framework aimed at upgrading infrastructure and essential services in the holy areas throughout the peak Hajj period.
”Our new stores are designed to meet the needs of pilgrims by offering globally sourced, high-quality products and services to pilgrims arriving from around the world,” said Yusuffali M.A., Chairman of Lulu Group. “This initiative also reflects our commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by enhancing pilgrim services.”
Lulu Group holds a pioneering distinction as one of the first and largest retail chains authorized to serve worshippers directly within these sacred boundaries. The current expansion builds upon the retailer’s successful operations from the previous year, during which it managed four stores near the holy sites. Recognizing the rising demand, the group more than doubled its presence to 10 strategic locations this season, with further plans for real-time expansion to accommodate the vast influx of worshippers.
