RIYADH — The Ministry of Tourism has approved updates to the regulations governing Hajj season accommodation activities, licensing and classification standards. The ministry also endorsed the schedule of violations applicable to facilities designated to host pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. The updates aimed to improve readiness of hospitality facilities, enhance service quality, and regulate operations in preparation for the Hajj season of 2027. Ministry of Tourism Spokesperson Nasr Alansari stated that the updates are intended to strengthen the regulatory and operational framework and ensure that facilities are fully prepared before commencing operations and receiving pilgrims. The requirements include verifying operational readiness, meeting safety and maintenance standards, ensuring continuity of essential services, and complying with operational requirements to provide pilgrims with a safe, well-organized stay.The standards classify Hajj season accommodation facilitiesinto economy and first-class categories, with specific requirements for each category. They also address various aspects of accommodation operations, including common areas, rooms, reception areas, cleanliness, maintenance, and guest services. In addition, they provide for multiple stages of inspection and oversight before licensing, prior to commencing operations, and throughout the operational period, thereby enhancing compliance and service quality.The ministry affirmed that hosting pilgrims is both a shared and national responsibility that reflects a long-standing historical legacy spanning hundreds of years. Accordingly, the ministry has worked to develop standards for Hajj season accommodation facilities to enhance service quality, provide a safe and enriching hospitality experience for pilgrims, and reflect Saudi Arabia’s status and its continued commitment to serving pilgrims.The ministry called on those seeking licenses for Hajj 2027accommodation facilities to begin fulfilling the requirements early, and complete all necessary maintenance and preparation work before submitting their license applications.
