Earlier this month, the Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) was performed by around 3 million pilgrims. The Hajj — an Abrahamic tradition dating back to the pre-Islamic era– has been a cornerstone of the Gulf economy since ancient times. The “Hajj economy” has shaped the development of the Gulf throughout history.
While the direct economic impact of the Hajj is easily observable, the strategic implications for GCC — and particualrly Saudi — competitiveness are more subtle. If fostered and applied more deeply, capabilities and skills linked to the Hajj can be pivotal in developing and expanding world-class initiatives and companies. The skill set of the Hajj economy can, if viewed strategically, be a significant source of competitive advantage.
