Hilton Makkah hosts first Ramadan in Holy City

Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel has hosted its first Ramadan in the Holy City since the hotel's opening in April 2017. The property features a purpose-built 1,600-capacity convention centre, a sought-after venue for religious pilgrims, business events and iftars during the Holy Month.

"Ramadan and Hajj has, this year, has been key for us, and a challenge we very much looked forward to leading up to the Holy Month," said Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel general manager Mark Allaf. 

"Following our opening in April, Ramadan has provided an important opportunity to combine religious trips with business. All parties involved, including Hilton and the government, have shared the overall goal of helping to change the perspective of Makkah to include business," he added.

According to the hotel, more than two million pilgrims from across the globe are expected to have visited the Grand Mosque this year, with Indonesians, Pakistanis and Indians comprising the largest number of international travellers. By 2025, more than 30 million pilgrims internationally are expected to visit Makkah during the Holy Month.

In addition, the hotel's goal in boosting localisation and female employment continues, with Allaf revealing that around 25% of the workforce on site are female. The hotel also aims to employ  a minimum of 40% Saudi Arabian national staff members.