Saudi Arabia: 25 Hospitality Facilities Shut Down In Makkah Over Licensing And Safety Violations
The closures followed the discovery of several violations, including operating without a valid license, poor maintenance and cleanliness standards, and breaches related to guest safety.
The inspections are part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to verify that hospitality facilities meet all approved requirements and hold the necessary permits to operate.
The initiative aligns with the ministry's broader objective to enhance service quality for visitors and pilgrims during the busy Umrah and Hajj seasons.
The ministry emphasized the importance of all facilities adhering to Saudi Arabia's tourism regulations and executive bylaws. It warned that penalties for non-compliance could include fines of up to SR1 million, closure orders, or both.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing these rules to improve service standards, safeguard guests, and uphold the reputation of Makkah as a premier religious tourism destination.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia: 25 Hospitality Facilities Shut Down In Makkah Over Licensing And Safety Violations
The Ministry of Tourism has closed 25 hospitality establishments in Makkah during July as part of intensified inspection campaigns to ensure regulatory compliance in the holy city, the ministry announced Thursday. The closures followed the discovery of several violations, including operating without a valid license, poor maintenance and cleanliness standards, and breaches related to guest safety. The inspections are part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to verify that hospitality facilities meet all approved requirements and hold the necessary permits to operate. The initiative aligns with the ministry's broader objective to enhance service quality for visitors and pilgrims during the busy Umrah and Hajj seasons. The ministry emphasized the importance of all facilities adhering to Saudi Arabia's tourism regulations and executive bylaws. It warned that penalties for non-compliance could include fines of up to SR1 million, closure orders, or both. It also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing these rules to improve service standards, safeguard guests, and uphold the reputation of Makkah as a premier religious tourism destination.
Gulf Insider
13-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Shuts 10 Travel Offices Over Unlicensed Umrah Services
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has shut down 10 travel service offices in the capital city for operating without proper licenses and organising unauthorised Umrah and visitation packages, in a sweeping enforcement campaign aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance in the tourism sector. According to the ministry, violations included the use of unlicenced vehicles to transport pilgrims, as well as placing them in unauthorised accommodation facilities in Mecca and Medina. The crackdown is part of broader efforts to ensure that tourism-related activities across the Kingdom meet official licensing and operational standards. The inspections specifically targeted agencies that were either operating without permits or conducting activities beyond the scope of their approved services. Officials stressed that such practices pose serious risks to pilgrims and visitors, undermining the quality and safety of Saudi Arabia's growing tourism industry. 'The campaign aims to protect the rights of tourists and visitors while enhancing the overall quality of services in line with the national tourism strategy,' the ministry said in a statement. Legal penalties for violators range from fines of up to SR50,000, with repeat offenders facing sanctions of up to SR1 million, office closures, or both — depending on the severity of the infraction. The ministry urged all tourism operators to comply strictly with the terms of their licenses and called on the public to engage only with officially authorised agencies to ensure safe, reliable travel experiences. Tourists and residents are also encouraged to report violations or complaints related to hospitality services by calling the unified tourism hotline at 930.
Gulf Insider
10-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Suspends Two Umrah Firms Over Accommodation Violations
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended two Umrah companies for violating regulations, including housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations—an act the ministry described as a serious breach that jeopardises pilgrim safety. Legal action has been initiated against the companies, which were also summoned for investigation. The ministry said the penalties are part of broader efforts to safeguard the rights of pilgrims and enforce compliance with service standards. The ministry has stepped up its crackdown on companies that fail to meet regulatory requirements, warning that violations will be met with firm legal consequences. Inspections and monitoring efforts have intensified in recent months, targeting operators that do not comply with licensing rules or contractual obligations. 'The ministry will not tolerate negligence or breaches of contractual obligations,' it said in a statement, adding that all licensed Umrah operators must fully adhere to approved regulations and provide services according to established schedules. The statement underscored the ministry's commitment to ensuring the highest standards of quality and professionalism in services offered to pilgrims. It also called on all companies operating in the Umrah sector to prioritise the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of pilgrims and visitors to the holy sites in Mecca and Medina. The enforcement action forms part of the ministry's ongoing campaign to monitor service quality and ensure contractual obligations are met, in line with its broader strategy to enhance the pilgrim experience in the Kingdom.
