25 hospitality facilities shut down in Makkah over licensing and safety violations
MAKKAH — The Ministry of Tourism has closed 25 hospitality establishments in Makkah during July as part of intensified inspection campaigns to ensure regulatory compliance in the holy city, the ministry announced Thursday.
The closures followed the discovery of several violations, including operating without a valid license, poor maintenance and cleanliness standards, and breaches related to guest safety.
The inspections are part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to verify that hospitality facilities meet all approved requirements and hold the necessary permits to operate.
The initiative aligns with the ministry's broader objective to enhance service quality for visitors and pilgrims during the busy Umrah and Hajj seasons.
The ministry emphasized the importance of all facilities adhering to Saudi Arabia's tourism regulations and executive bylaws. It warned that penalties for non-compliance could include fines of up to SR1 million, closure orders, or both.It also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing these rules to improve service standards, safeguard guests, and uphold the reputation of Makkah as a premier religious tourism destination.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Pakistan approves Hajj Policy 2026, will receive applications from Aug. 4
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced on Wednesday that the federal cabinet has approved the country's Hajj Policy 2026, with Islamabad set to receive applications for the pilgrimage under the government scheme from Aug. 4. Speaking to reporters at a news conference, Yousaf said currently the quota for Pakistani pilgrims is 179,210. However, he said a response from the Saudi government is awaited in this regard. He said out of the total pilgrims' quota, 129,210 seats have been allocated for the government scheme and the rest for private tour operators. 'Today, by the grace of Allah, the federal cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy 2026,' Yousaf said. 'We will start to receive Hajj applications under the government scheme from the first week of August, from the fourth.' Yousaf pointed out that under the government Hajj scheme, pilgrims can avail either a long Hajj package of 38–42 days or a short package that consists of a duration of 20–25 days. He said Hajj applicants must be Muslim Pakistani passport holders, with a passport valid until Nov. 26, 2026. 'Children under 12 will not be allowed to perform Hajj this year,' the minister said. He said as per the government scheme, Hajj applicants must submit their Hajj dues in two installments. Yousaf said the estimated cost of the government's Hajj package will range from Rs1,150,000 to Rs1,250,000 [$4,049.93 to $4,236], subject to final agreements with service providers. He said the first installment payment will be accepted at designated banks across Pakistan from Aug. 4. 'Due to Saudi Arabia's timelines, selection will be on a first-come, first-serve basis,' Yousaf clarified. Receiving a Saudi-approved vaccine is mandatory for all intending pilgrims, the minister said, adding that Makkah Route Initiative facilities will continue to be provided to pilgrims at Pakistan's Islamabad and Karachi airports. Yousaf said a monitoring team from Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs will oversee the overall Hajj operations to maintain the quality of services. Saudi Arabia had approved a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Pakistan this year as well. A large portion of the private Hajj quota for 2025 remained unutilized due to delays by tour operators in meeting payment and registration deadlines, while the government fulfilled its full allocation of over 88,000 pilgrims. Private operators attributed the shortfall to technical issues, including payment processing problems and communication breakdowns.
Leaders
a day ago
- Leaders
Royal Commission for Makkah Unveils Interactive Geospatial Map Service
The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has introduced a new interactive geospatial map service on its digital platform. This advanced tool offers users smart, interactive, and user-friendly maps featuring up-to-date and comprehensive data about Makkah. Developed using cutting-edge technologies and verified sources—including detailed aerial imagery and field surveys—the service integrates accurate information into a unified digital system. The initiative supports the commission's efforts to create a robust digital environment for decision-makers and further advance Makkah's digital transformation. The public are urged to explore the maps here: Related Topics: Al-Makkatain Museum Offers Vivid Images of Makkah & Madinah History Saudi Arabia Installs Flexible Rubber Asphalt, Increases Comfort during Hajj 2024 SDAIA President Reviews Smart Makkah Center Operations to Enhance Pilgrim Services Al-Mashaer Metro Line Starts Journeys for Hajj 2024 Short link : Post Views: 7 Related Stories
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Over one million sign up for ‘On His Path' migration trail experience
Saudi Gazette report MADINAH — Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, announced that public interest in the immersive "On His Path" experience has surged past one million registration requests ahead of its official launch this November. Taking to X, Alalshikh wrote, 'Alhamdulillah, we've received over a million requests for the Hijrah trail in the 'On His Path' experience... See you in November, insha'Allah.' He extended his gratitude to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for his unwavering support of the project, and thanked Prince Salman bin Sultan, Emir of Madinah Region, and Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of Makkah Region, for their consistent backing and commitment to the success of this pioneering initiative. Alalshikh highlighted the strong momentum the project is already seeing internationally, particularly in Indonesia, where video clips showed long lines of participants eager to join. He confirmed that similar rollouts are planned soon in Malaysia, Turkey, and India, as part of a global expansion strategy for the project, which aims to revive the Hijrah (Prophet Muhammad's migration) route through an unprecedented interactive and human-centered experience. This year's edition is expected to accommodate 300,000 visitors, with strict planning in place to ensure a high-quality, safe journey. By 2030, the project aims to welcome 5 million visitors annually. To facilitate smooth and secure movement across the rugged Hijrah terrain, Alalshikh announced the deployment of specially designed 4x4 transport buses. These will enhance accessibility while ensuring comfort for all participants. He also revealed a breakthrough in reaching Ghar Thawr (Cave of Thawr), a key Hijrah landmark, reducing the typically strenuous two-hour hike to just three minutes using advanced transportation technology, making the once-challenging site easily accessible for all visitors. 'On His Path' is one of the General Entertainment Authority's most ambitious experiential projects. It brings the story of the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Makkah to Madinah to life using cutting-edge technology, immersive storytelling, and historical accuracy. The initiative aims to deepen public understanding of the profound spiritual and human values embedded in the Hijrah, while making this pivotal moment in Islamic history more accessible to both domestic and international audiences.
