Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has warned building owners in Makkah and Madinah against providing hospitality or accommodation services to Hajj pilgrims without the required licence. Buildings licensed as temporary accommodation for pilgrims may operate only during the Hajj season.
The ministry said the warning forms part of efforts to regulate hospitality and pilgrim accommodation and improve service quality ahead of the upcoming Hajj season, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
To regulate the sector, it introduced temporary accommodation licences for building owners wishing to provide these services in Makkah and Madinah. It also launched a service enabling tourism accommodation operators to increase capacity during Hajj under approved rules and conditions. Both services are valid exclusively for the Hajj season.
These measures have increased hospitality capacity in the two holy cities, improved readiness to receive pilgrims and provided licensed facilities offering accommodation of an appropriate standard.
The ministry said operating tourism accommodation without a licence can incur fines of up to SAR 1 million. Operating under a temporary accommodation licence before the Hajj season also breaches licensing conditions and can result in fines of up to SAR 1 million and cancellation of the licence.
It pledged to intensify regulatory efforts in Makkah and Madinah, including inspections of pilgrim accommodation to verify compliance with quality standards and licensing requirements. These checks aim to ensure readiness and provide services that enrich pilgrims’ journeys and enable them to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind.
To read the Saudi Press Agency report, click here.
