Saudi Arabia tightens Hajj hospitality regulations

Saudi Arabia has tightened regulations for Hajj hospitality services ahead of the 25 to 30 May 2026 pilgrimage, placing licensed companies in direct control of accommodation, transport and pilgrim services.

 

Under the updated framework, licensed companies are directly responsible for delivering accommodation, transport and services for pilgrims, and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have the authority to intervene and appoint alternative providers in cases of non-compliance.

 

The changes follow a structural reform approved in November 2025, when authorities abolished traditional tawafa organisations, local service providers responsible for managing accommodation, transport and pilgrim services, and replaced them with licensed Hajj hospitality companies under amendments to the Foreign Pilgrim Service Providers Law.

 

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Issued in April 2026 by the Ministry of Tourism, the new regulations introduce penalties for licensed Hajj hospitality providers in Makkah and Madinah who fail to meet accommodation, transport and service standards. Penalties include fines, temporary closures and licence revocation for repeat violations.

 

The updated penalty system is graduated, with repeat violations leading to higher fines. Hotels can face fines of SAR2,000 (US$533) to SAR14,000 (US$3,733), while temporary Hajj housing facilities can be fined up to SAR50,000 (US$13,300), depending on the severity of the breach.

 

In February 2026, authorities suspended two Umrah service providers for failing to meet accommodation obligations, with legal action initiated against agents. 

 

The reforms form part of Saudi Vision 2030 programme to standardise service delivery and strengthen oversight across religious tourism.

 

For more information, visit www.haj.gov.sa