In welcome news for travelers to Jeddah’s Summer Festival, rumors have been quashed that car-rental agents in the area would be increasing their prices during the three months of the festival.  It had been feared that rental car companies would be taking advantage of tourists coming into the area for the religious festival.

Earlier this week officials from the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry got together with the Jeddah director of transport for a meeting with car hire operators in the area.  It was decided that no price rises in car rental fees will be allowed during the time period of the festival, which started on July 16.

“We have an effective agreement between the JCCI and the Transport Administration to resolve all the outstanding problems faced by car rental companies. I think such periodic meetings are very fruitful and productive,” said Saeed Ali Al-Bassami of JCCI.

Currently, an economy class rental car goes for around SR70, while a luxury class vehicle hires out for approximately SR1900.

The two holy mosques near Jeddah attract thousands of pilgrims all year round, but the numbers swell during the Jeddah Summer Festival producing a significant increase in income for the area.