Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb has inspected hospitality facilities in Makkah ahead of Hajj 2026, as the Kingdom reveals that more than 566,000 additional beds have been added to the pilgrim accommodation sector through a new temporary licensing service launched in October 2025.

A Massive Capacity Expansion

The 566,000-bed increase represents one of the most significant capacity expansions in recent Hajj history. According to Arab News, the additional beds were made available through a new temporary accommodation licensing system that allows property owners in Makkah to register their buildings for short-term Hajj-season use. This brings previously unregulated or unused properties into the official hospitality network, subject to safety inspections and quality standards.

The expansion addresses a perennial challenge: during Hajj season, demand for accommodation in Makkah far outstrips the capacity of the city's permanent hotel stock. Pilgrims have historically faced cramped conditions, inflated prices, and sometimes substandard facilities. By formalising the temporary accommodation sector, Saudi authorities aim to improve both capacity and quality simultaneously.

What the Minister Found

During his inspection tour, Al-Khateeb reviewed the services being prepared for pilgrims across multiple hospitality categories, from five-star hotels near the Haram to furnished apartments and temporary lodging units in the wider city. He also met with tourism workers and service providers to assess operational readiness.

The inspection is part of a broader pattern of senior Saudi officials personally verifying Hajj preparations. Earlier in April, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al Rabiah conducted a field tour of the Mina camps, and the Minister of Health inspected medical facilities across the holy sites. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has directed all agencies to deploy their full capabilities to ensure pilgrim safety and service quality.

New Licensing Rules for Accommodation Providers

Under the new regulations for Hajj 2026, all hospitality providers must obtain official approval before operating during the season. This applies to hotels, furnished apartments, and temporary lodging units alike. Unlicensed operators face penalties, and pilgrims are strongly advised to book only through the official Nusuk platform or through licensed Hajj operators registered with their national Hajj authority.

The licensing system is designed to prevent the exploitation that has historically plagued the Hajj accommodation market - overcharging, misleading descriptions, last-minute cancellations, and properties that fail to meet basic safety standards. By requiring official registration and inspection, the system gives pilgrims greater confidence that their accommodation will match what was promised.

Accommodation Tiers for Pilgrims

Hajj 2026 accommodation broadly falls into several tiers:

  • Premium hotels (within 5-10 minutes walk of the Haram): These range from SAR 2,000-10,000+ per night and offer the convenience of proximity to the Grand Mosque. For elderly pilgrims and those with mobility challenges, proximity can make the difference between a manageable Hajj and an overwhelming one.
  • Standard hotels (15-30 minutes walk): More affordable, often included in mid-range Hajj packages. Transport to the Haram is typically arranged by the Hajj operator.
  • Furnished apartments: Popular with families and larger groups, offering kitchen facilities and more space than hotel rooms. The new licensing system has brought thousands of previously informal apartments into the regulated market.
  • Mina tents: During the Days of Tashriq (10th-13th Dhul Hijjah), all pilgrims stay in the tent city of Mina. Tent quality varies dramatically by package tier, from basic shared floor space to VIP tents with beds and private facilities.

What Pilgrims Should Know

If you have already booked your Hajj package, confirm your accommodation details with your operator before departing. Verify the hotel name, its distance from the Haram, and the number of people sharing your room. Take a screenshot of the booking confirmation.

If you encounter accommodation that does not match what was promised upon arrival in Makkah, report it to your Hajj group leader immediately and document the discrepancy with photos. The new licensing regime means there is now an official complaints mechanism through the Ministry of Tourism. Pilgrims should not accept substandard conditions in silence - the Saudi authorities want to hear about problems so they can address them.