Forget Oil. Religion Is Big Business in Saudi Arabia

Stephanomics

• Episode: Forget Oil. Religion Is Big Business in Saudi Arabia
• Website: Stephanomics
• Feed URL: http://feeds.bloomberg.fm/BLM8939407484
• Duration: 00:27:10
• Published: 2017-10-05 12:00

Saudi Arabia may be best known for its vast supply of oil, but outside of that industry, Islamic tourism is one of the kingdom's biggest businesses. Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, as well as other Muslim pilgrimages throughout the year, have been driving growth in tourism, with a building boom to match. The country is seeking to remain a destination, while liberalizing its ultra-conservative rules such as the ban on female drivers. Scott is joined by Siraj Datoo, a Bloomberg editor in London, to discuss his recent hajj experience and the economics of the pilgrimage, as well as Donna Abu-Nasr, a Bloomberg reporter who covers the Middle Eastern economy.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com