Tourism Ministry updates Hajj lodging standards ahead of 1448 season

The Ministry of Tourism has approved new updates to the regulations governing Hajj season lodging operations.

The updates include revised licensing and classification standards, as well as an updated violations schedule for facilities designated to accommodate pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. These changes are part of preparations for the 1448 Hajj season, aiming to enhance the readiness of hospitality facilities, improve service quality for pilgrims, and better regulate operational aspects of these accommodations before the arrival of guests.

According to Ministry of Tourism spokesperson Nasr Al-Ansari, the updates are designed to further develop the regulatory and operational framework for Hajj season lodgings and ensure facilities are fully prepared before operations begin and pilgrims arrive. The new requirements include verifying operational readiness, meeting safety and maintenance standards, ensuring continuity of essential services, and adhering to approved operational criteria to provide a safe and organized environment for pilgrims.

The revised standards also introduce a classification system for Hajj season lodgings, dividing them into economy and first-class categories, each with its own set of requirements and criteria. These cover shared facilities, guest rooms, reception, cleanliness, maintenance, and services provided to guests.

The regulatory framework includes multiple stages of inspection and oversight, starting before the license is issued, continuing through the pre-operational phase, and extending to ongoing monitoring during the operational period. These stages are intended to ensure compliance with requirements and maintain quality and safety standards throughout the period when pilgrims are hosted, not just at the time of licensing.

The Ministry of Tourism has called on those wishing to obtain a license to operate Hajj season lodgings during the 1448 Hajj to begin fulfilling regulatory requirements early, complete necessary maintenance and preparations, and submit their licensing applications.

This initiative is part of early preparations for the Hajj season and aims to boost the readiness of accommodation and hospitality facilities in Makkah and Madinah, supporting the delivery of higher quality and more organized services for pilgrims.