About Mecca, Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia’s western desert lies Mecca, the holiest city of Islam, and birthplace of the prophet Mohammed. Muslims flock here annually for the Hajj, or pilgrimage, which is also Mecca’s main economic contributor. A secondary economy relies mostly on varied enterprises including manufacturing. The city itself has a population of well over 1,675,300 people covering 290 square miles.

Popular Destinations in Mecca

Looking for activities once your private jet arrives in Mecca? Hajj is the main focus of Mecca and those who visit. Nevertheless, there are several other points of interest, which are listed below:

Makkah Mall: The entire family can take advantage of the entertaining environment, dining opportunities, and the unique and vibrant upscale shopping offered here. As far as Mecca’s fashion centers are concerned, Makkah Mall is considered to be the most important and complete of them all. Makkah Mall offers the best of leisure and shopping, with facilities such as restaurants, supermarkets, and a diverse selection of both international and local brands.

Al Wahba Crater: For camping and sightseeing, this one-mile wide crater is surrounded by 850-foot cliffs and during the wet season it fills with water. A Wahba Crater is dry in the summer. Natural elements are exquisite here, as it is surrounded mostly by volcanic ash and sandy plains. Tired hikers can relax in the smattering of palm trees along the face of the northern cliff.

Mina: This city hosts millions during the pilgrimage. The neighborhood itself is intended solely to provide temporary housing for those making the trip; it hosts pilgrims during their visit. The tents found in Mina are all air conditioned, and lined with Teflon to reduce heat even further. Women and men are kept separate in Mina.

Masjid a Taneem: Travelers visiting this mosque often take advantage of the facilities provided for ablution, baths, and changing. Local residents typically employ Masjid a Taneem as a spot to change into clothing specific for the pilgrimage. Either way, Masjid a Taneem plays a large part in the overall observation of the entire pilgrimage to Mecca.

Jabal al-Nour: The hill that houses this cave is understandably of great importance to the Muslim people and the pilgrimage. Jabal al-Nour is revered by Muslims as the location where the prophet Mohammed not only first received a revelation from God but also spent much a lot of time meditating.

Abraj Al Bait: This is a prime location for those seeking accommodations during the Hajj. Abraj Al Bait is a five-star hotel, and by far one of the largest and tallest hotels in the world. It has 56 elevators, nine state-of-the-art restaurants, 1542 guest suites, and 120 floors. Warm Arab hospitality and lavish design both inside and out make for an unforgettable experience at this hotel.

Masjid al-Haram: This is the most sacred Mosque in Mecca and is visited by about 2 million Muslims every year, particularly during the six day span of Hajj. There is a shorter pilgrimage referred to as Umrah, which entails a journey to Mecca. Umrah, unlike Hajj, is not determined by the lunar calendar and can occur at any time of the year. A special note to travelers – it is forbidden for anyone who is not Muslim to enter here.

Luxury Lodging in Mecca

Seeking luxury accommodations once your private jet has arrived in Mecca? Mecca has an abundance of luxury hotels for discerning travelers. Some of the most highly rated ones include:

• Dar Al Eiman Royal Hotel
• Dar Al Tawhid InterContinental Makkah
• Hyatt Regency Makkah Jabal Omar, Holy Makkah
• Makkah Clock Royal Tower

Airports In or Nearby Mecca For Private Jets

When it comes to airports in or nearby Mecca, private jet travelers have many excellent choices. Here are some of the available options:

• King Abdul Aziz International Airport (JED): This is the busiest airport in Saudi Arabia, and is the third largest in the kingdom. Inaugurated in 1981, it is mostly known as an aviation hub for visitors on their way to Mecca. It can handle 80,000 passengers at any given time. It has two asphalt runways and one concrete runway measuring between 3,300 and 4,000 feet. It handles more than 30 million passengers a year and is located at an elevation of 48 feet above sea level.
• Ta’if Regional Airport (TIF): This airport is located 65 miles away from Mecca. It is a military/public airport serving Ta’if as well as flights to Mecca. Located at 4,800 feet above sea level, it mainly serves private charters though some international airlines use it too. Ta’if Regional Airport has two asphalt runways measuring 12,200 and 10,900 feet in length respectively.