Saudi Tourism Ministry Updates Hajj Accommodation Regulations

The Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia has approved updated regulations governing Hajj season accommodation facilities in Saudi Arabia — Mecca and Saudi Arabia — Medina ahead of the 1448 AH (2027) Hajj season. The updates revise licensing and classification standards and introduce a violations schedule. Facilities will be classified into economy and first-class categories, with specific requirements for rooms, reception, common areas, cleanliness, maintenance, and guest services. The ministry will conduct inspections at multiple stages: before licensing, before operations, and throughout the Hajj season. Spokesperson Nasr Alansari stated the updates aim to strengthen the regulatory framework and ensure facilities are fully prepared before receiving pilgrims. The ministry also launched a smart accommodation service for real-time arrival tracking and occupancy indicators. In the previous season, the ministry conducted over 19,000 inspections of hospitality facilities in Saudi Arabia — Mecca and Saudi Arabia — Medina. More than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj in 2026, according to the General Authority for Statistics. The ministry urged applicants to begin preparations early and submit license applications.