
Saudi authorities crack down on tourism violations
Over the past month, inspection teams carried out around 2,750 field visits, detecting some 170 violations, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.
These visits aimed to ensure that tourism entities are licensed by the ministry, safeguarding the rights of both domestic and international tourists as part of the Saudi Summer program.
In Asir, more than 420 inspections uncovered over 25 violations. In Taif, more than 360 visits revealed around 25 violations.
Jeddah recorded over 1,680 visits, revealing more than 110 violations. In the Baha region, more than 280 inspections resulted in five violations.
The ministry emphasized that all tourism service providers — including travel agencies, consultancy offices, and event organizers — must comply with tourism regulations and bylaws to protect tourists' rights. It also urged the public to report any concerns about tourism services via the unified call center at 930.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Hail festival honors Saudi craft, culture
RIYADH: A heritage festival in Hail, northwestern Saudi Arabia, has concluded after attracting more than 95,000 visitors from across the Kingdom, Gulf region, and other international destinations. The 30-day Beit Hail Festival at Aja Park offered a mix of cultural, artistic, and heritage experiences, running daily from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., according to the Saudi Press Agency. The event celebrated cultural heritage through handicrafts, traditional dishes, and Thamudic inscriptions, the SPA added. It featured an art pavilion showcasing notable artists, a resin art exhibit, folk theater, heritage-inspired residential models, and performances reflecting the culture of Asir province. Exhibits gave younger generations insight into how ancestors transformed natural materials into functional items, highlighting the ingenuity of Saudi heritage. More than 40 activities allowed visitors to explore traditional crafts such as wickerwork, sadu weaving, crochet, hand-woven textiles, and Najdi and Hail-style door making. Other highlights included traditional clothing, Thamudic embroidery, wood and leather beading, fiber arts, resin art, and soap making. The festival also served as a platform for local artisans to present their work directly to the public. Several government leaders visited the event, praising its efforts to revive memories of traditional life and showcase historical methods of meeting daily needs. Mauritanian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mokhtar Ould Dahi also toured the festival, exploring stands and pavilions featuring local craftsmanship. He expressed admiration for the crafts on display, including wickerwork, sadu weaving, hand-woven textiles, and fiber arts, and commended the cultural performances for reflecting Saudi heritage. Separately, EU Ambassador to the Kingdom Christophe Farnaud visited the festival, praising the displays of palm frond weaving, sadu weaving, handmade textiles, traditional wooden doors, resin art, crochet, Thamudic embroidery, woodcraft, and leatherwork. Both ambassadors attended traditional folk performances, including the Saudi Ardah (sword dance), the Hail Samri (drum-accompanied poetry), and various artistic presentations from Asir region.


Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi authorities crack down on tourism violations
RIYADH: The Ministry of Tourism intensified inspections targeting tourism service providers across key summer destinations in cities and regions throughout the Kingdom. Over the past month, inspection teams carried out around 2,750 field visits, detecting some 170 violations, according to a Saudi Press Agency report. These visits aimed to ensure that tourism entities are licensed by the ministry, safeguarding the rights of both domestic and international tourists as part of the Saudi Summer program. In Asir, more than 420 inspections uncovered over 25 violations. In Taif, more than 360 visits revealed around 25 violations. Jeddah recorded over 1,680 visits, revealing more than 110 violations. In the Baha region, more than 280 inspections resulted in five violations. The ministry emphasized that all tourism service providers — including travel agencies, consultancy offices, and event organizers — must comply with tourism regulations and bylaws to protect tourists' rights. It also urged the public to report any concerns about tourism services via the unified call center at 930.


Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi scouts explore culture, skills in Portugal
RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Scout Association delegation is participating in the 16th World Scout Moot, taking place in Portugal until Aug. 3. The global event brings together more than 7,100 scouts from 118 scout associations, according to a Saudi Press Agency report. The Saudi delegation took part in the Paths program — an initiative featuring exploratory journeys across various regions of Portugal, designed to enrich participants' cultural awareness and knowledge. It also participated in several training workshops focused on building both individual and team-based skills, the SPA added. In the coming days, the delegation will move to the main camp near the city of Porto, where the Saudi scouts will engage in five days of activities celebrating Portuguese heritage. This participation reflects the association's commitment to empowering Saudi scouts to represent the Kingdom on the international stage, expand their global presence, and strengthen their leadership capabilities. The World Scout Moot is held every four years and is designed for young people aged 18 to 25, while those aged 26 and above can participate as members of the International Service Team.