Saudi Ministry of Tourism shuts 25 hospitality establishments in Makkah in July over regulatory violations

SAUDI ARABIA – The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia announced the closure of 25 hospitality establishments in Makkah during July 2025, following intensified inspection campaigns across the holy city.

These inspections aimed to ensure full compliance with licensing, maintenance, and safety regulations amid the busy pilgrimage season.

The violations uncovered by inspectors included operating without valid licenses, failure to maintain cleanliness and upkeep standards, and breaches related to guest safety protocols.

These serious shortcomings prompted immediate closure orders, reflecting the ministry’s zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance in such a sensitive and high-profile destination.

Authorities made clear that operating without proper permits is unacceptable and jeopardizes guest welfare.

This enforcement operation is part of the ministry’s ongoing strategy to verify that all hospitality facilities meet approved requirements and hold the necessary permits issued by Saudi authorities.

Inspections continue regularly as part of ongoing efforts to protect pilgrims and visitors while enhancing the quality of services throughout Makkah’s hospitality sector.

The closures support the ministry’s broader objective to elevate service and safety standards during the critical Umrah and Hajj seasons.

This is when Makkah experiences a significant influx of global visitors, making strict compliance essential to safeguarding the visitor experience and wellbeing.

It also demonstrates the government’s focus on sustainable tourism development in the holy city.

The Ministry of Tourism stressed the importance of adherence to Saudi tourism laws and executive bylaws.

It reiterated that non-compliance could result in severe penalties, including fines up to SAR 1 million (US$266,000), closure orders, or even combined sanctions to ensure accountability for all hospitality providers.

Authorities underscored that these stringent measures will remain in place as part of a renewed commitment to maintaining high industry standards.

The ministry’s vigilance sends a clear message to all facilities about the necessity of operating legally, safely, and with a heightened focus on guest welfare.

This initiative also serves to reassure pilgrims and tourists that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia prioritizes their safety, comfort, and quality hospitality experiences while visiting its holy cities.

It aligns with national tourism development goals set forth in Vision 2030.

As Makkah continues to welcome millions of pilgrims annually, these regulatory enforcement efforts play an integral role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to transform its tourism sector while protecting the sanctity and safety of its historic sites.

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