Saudi Arabia has moved to raise the standard of housing for pilgrims well before the next pilgrimage begins. The Ministry of Tourism has approved updated regulations governing Hajj season accommodation, covering licensing, classification standards and the penalties that apply to facilities hosting pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the changes are intended to improve readiness, raise service quality and regulate operations ahead of the 2027 Hajj season (1448 AH).
Ministry spokesperson Nasr Alansari said the updates strengthen the regulatory and operational framework and ensure facilities are fully prepared before receiving pilgrims. He said the requirements include verifying operational readiness, meeting safety and maintenance standards, ensuring essential services are in place, and complying with operational rules so that pilgrims enjoy a safe and well-organised stay.
What the new standards cover
Under the updated framework, Hajj accommodation facilities are classified into two tiers: economy and first class. Each tier carries its own specific requirements. The standards address common areas, guest rooms, reception areas, cleanliness, maintenance and guest services, setting a clear baseline that operators must meet regardless of price point.
The rules also introduce inspections and oversight at several stages rather than a single check. Facilities face review before licensing, again before operations begin, and then throughout the operating period. The ministry said this layered approach is designed to enhance compliance and keep service quality consistent across the season, not just at the moment a licence is granted.
Licensing itself is now central. All hospitality providers, including hotels, furnished apartments and temporary lodging units, must obtain official approval before operating during the Hajj season. The ministry described hosting pilgrims as a "shared national responsibility" reflecting a legacy that spans hundreds of years.
Building on last season's oversight
The new standards build on expanded monitoring during the 2026 season. According to the ministry, field teams carried out more than 19,000 inspections of hospitality facilities and temporary accommodation across Makkah and Madinah during Hajj. That figure included over 11,000 inspections in Makkah and around 5,000 in Madinah, along with roughly 3,000 visits to assess temporary housing compliance.
Inspectors also conducted more than 3,300 awareness visits aimed at promoting compliance with quality standards and licensing rules. The ministry has directed pilgrims and residents to the Unified Tourism Centre on 930 for inquiries and feedback. Separately, it has rolled out a smart accommodation service featuring real-time arrival tracking, occupancy indicators and automated verification to cut waiting times on arrival.
The scale of the task is considerable. More than 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj in 2026, according to the General Authority for Statistics, including 1,546,655 from abroad and 160,646 citizens and residents from within the Kingdom.
What it means for pilgrims and operators
For pilgrims, the reforms are meant to reduce the risk of arriving at a substandard or unlicensed property. The two-tier classification should also make it easier to understand what a booking includes before travelling. For operators, the message is to prepare early rather than scramble close to the season.
The ministry has urged those seeking licences for 2027 accommodation to meet the requirements early, complete maintenance and preparations, and submit their applications in good time.
Practical tips for pilgrims: Book accommodation only through licensed providers and approved packages on the official Nusuk platform. Confirm the classification tier of your property so you know what services to expect. Keep your booking confirmation and the Unified Tourism Centre number (930) handy in case you need to report a problem or request help during your stay.