Economy

Beit Sahour’s economy is predominantly fueled by tourism and related industries, particularly centered around local handicrafts and souvenir shops. The city’s prosperity owes much to the production and sale of religious items crafted from olive wood and mother-of-pearl, as well as hand-embroidered gifts, which are signature specialties of Beit Sahour. Annually, over a thousand unique gift items are crafted and sold, primarily to pilgrims and tourists. Moreover, Beit Sahour has been a trailblazer in marketing and exporting its local handicrafts worldwide, notably to the United States, garnering significant international attention and bolstering the city’s local industry. This initiative not only provides income to many families but also helps retain residents in their homeland, mitigating migration trends.

Beyond tourism, Beit Sahour boasts a sizable population of highly educated individuals engaged in the medical and educational sectors. However, the city faces challenges in unemployment, with a rate of approximately 17%. Despite this, several economic and industrial activities thrive in Beit Sahour. The religious artifacts industry, comprising over 170 handicraft workshops, remains a key player. Additionally, the city hosts a textile industry, cosmetics manufacturing, a cardboard factory, a noodles factory, as well as numerous workshops specializing in blacksmithing, carpentry, and aluminum work. Furthermore, Beit Sahour is home to four butcher shops, five bakeries, over 90 service stores, and more than 50 grocery stores, diversifying its economic landscape and providing employment opportunities for its residents.