RIYADH, Feb 10: This year's Haj reportedly generated business worth 5.2 billion Saudi riyals ($1.3 billion) in lieu of services extended to an estimated two million pilgrims.

The calculations have been made on the basis of some 1.4 million pilgrims who came from abroad, each spending at least 3,750 riyals (1,000 dollars) on transportation, accommodation, living expenses and services provided by the Tawafa and Zamazima organizations.

According to a report in the Saudi daily Arab News, analysts estimate that pilgrims spent 1.4 billion riyals on accommodation in some 7,000 apartment buildings and hotels.

"Foreign Haj missions authorized to select buildings for their pilgrims receive about 400 million riyals in commissions," Al Madinah Arabic daily said, quoting market analysts. Pilgrims spent more than two billion riyals on air transportation to travel to and from Saudi Arabia.