Britannica Sources used in this answer

What industries operate in Mashhad?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Mashhad: shrine of ʿAlī al-Riḍā — Mashhad Shrine of the imam ʿAlī al-Riḍā, Mashhad, Iran.

Mashhad, a major city in Iran, supports a diverse economy driven by both service-oriented and industrial sectors.

Services and Tourism

Tourism is a cornerstone of the city's economy, centered on pilgrimages to the shrine of ʿAlī al-Riḍā. The city hosts more than 20 million visitors annually, supporting a wide range of accommodations from hostels to luxury hotels.1

Manufacturing and Industry

Mashhad’s industrial base includes:
* Natural Gas: A primary industry for the region.2
* Light Industrial Enterprises: Including food processing and the production of textiles, carpets, and ceramics.2
* Metal and Mechanical Goods: The manufacturing of valves, pipes, fittings, water heaters, and air coolers.2
* Stone Industry: Mashhad serves as a prominent center for the stone industry.3

Trade and Commerce

The city acts as a vital commercial hub due to its proximity to Iran's eastern border, facilitating trade with Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, China, and Central Asia. Key exports include electrical power, saffron, minerals, livestock, cotton fiber, grains, sugar beets, cement, and construction materials.2