CAIRO – IT's a problem that happens every year, but this year, because of the unprecedented increase in the number of pilgrims travelling to Mecca and Medina during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, it's been even worse. According to Saudi figures, 4.92 million Muslims performed the Omra (Lesser Pilgrimage) during the holy fasting month, 30 per cent more than last year. Most of the extra pilgrims came from Egypt, Iran, Turkey and Pakistan. This could explain why thousands of Egyptian pilgrims were stranded for several days in Jeddah Airport, before finding seats on flights home at the end of Ramadan. Instead of blaming the tourism companies for not confirming their bookings, some people have blamed the Saudi authorities, accusing them of avenging Hosni Mubarak, their ally, by maltreating Egyptian visitors to the Holy Shrines. In the meantime, the Saudi envoy in Cairo has made it clear that King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia does not allow any pilgrim to be insulted in his Kingdom, whatever his/her nationality. In any case, it's time to admit that the annual Omra crisis must be partially blamed on Saudi officials who have been concentrating on expanding the mosques in Mecca and Medina without upgrading the airports used by the pilgrims. A growing number of pilgrims now fly to Saudi Arabia, rather than sailing, because, since the sinking of Essalam ferry in 2006, Red Sea ferry services between Egypt and Saudi Arabia have been cut. But one should also admit that organising the departure by air of millions of visitors within the space of a few days is a real challenge for any country. What Egypt and Saudi Arabia should now do is reconsider building a road bridge between the two countries, via South Sinai. This would be great for the pilgrims, as well as boosting trade and tourism between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
