The number of licensed rooms in Makkah’s hospitality sector has exceeded 300,000, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism announced on Sunday, marking a significant 41% increase in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
The sharp rise in capacity reflects both the growing global demand from pilgrims and tourists and the government’s intensified efforts to upgrade tourism infrastructure ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is expected to draw millions of visitors from around the world.
As part of the Kingdom’s preparations for the upcoming Hajj season, the Ministry has carried out more than 1,160 inspection and monitoring tours across hotels and other hospitality facilities in Makkah. These inspections aim to ensure accommodations meet regulatory standards and are adequately prepared to host pilgrims during one of the busiest times of the year.
The increase in licensed rooms is a key outcome of the Ministry’s broader push to raise service standards across the tourism sector. In a move to enforce compliance and improve transparency, authorities earlier this year implemented strict new licensing regulations for all hospitality businesses operating in the Kingdom.
Effective from January 1, all tourism service providers and hospitality establishments — including those listed on local and international booking platforms — have been required to remove any unlicensed or unauthorized facilities from their offerings.
The Ministry has reiterated its warning that businesses failing to obtain or renew the necessary licenses will face stiff penalties. These include fines of up to 1 million Saudi riyals, forced closure of facilities, and potential reputational consequences such as public disclosure of violations.
The reforms come as Saudi Arabia continues to accelerate its Vision 2030 agenda, which includes transforming the Kingdom into a global tourism hub. The Hajj season, a cornerstone of religious tourism in Saudi Arabia, is seen as a critical period to showcase the country’s improved infrastructure and hospitality services.
With the pilgrimage season approaching, the Ministry says it remains committed to ensuring a seamless and safe experience for all visitors, backed by expanded capacity, stricter oversight, and a renewed focus on quality.
