Saudi authorities close 330 hotels, apartments in Makkah and Medina

Saudi authorities have enforced the closure of a total of 330 hotels and furnished accommodations in Makkah and Madinah due to breaches of regulations in revered cities, which serve as prominent destinations for Muslims globally.

This action was initiated as the Ministry of Tourism in the Kingdom commenced the examination of 2000 hotels, with the objective of overseeing the tourism sector and enhancing hospitality facilities.

In Makkah, the ministry halted operations for 280 establishments found operating without the necessary licenses required for conducting business.

In Madinah, a minimum of 50 hotels and other facilities has been prevented from operating, uncovering 1,200 violations, including those awaiting the acquisition of licenses.

The inspection campaign was inaugurated with the slogan, “Prioritizing our guests.”

The Kingdom’s aspiration is to draw in 100 million tourists by the year 2030, forming a crucial part of the comprehensive economic diversification beyond reliance on oil. To realize this objective, authorities are actively overseeing the sector and elevating the standards of services provided.

Being the custodian of Islam’s sacred sites, Saudi Arabia annually welcomes millions of Muslim pilgrims who undertake Umrah and Hajj and pay homage at the tomb of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) in Al Rawda Al Sharifa.

Saudi Arabia anticipates hosting 10 million Muslim pilgrims for Umrah in the year 2024.