Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism has approved updated licensing and classification standards for accommodation facilities used during the Hajj season, part of early preparations for the Hajj 1448 AH pilgrimage. The changes cover hotels and lodgings designated for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, and are intended to raise service quality and operational readiness well before pilgrims begin to arrive.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the updated framework revises both the licensing requirements and the classification system, along with the related violations framework. The ministry had earlier published a draft of the standards through the "Estelaam" public consultation platform, inviting feedback from operators and specialists before the rules were finalised.

New readiness and safety requirements

The revised standards set clear conditions for operational readiness, safety and maintenance, continuity of essential services, and compliance with approved operating procedures. The requirements are designed to ensure that every licensed facility is fully prepared to receive guests and can provide a safe, organised environment suited to the demands of the Hajj season.

Because accommodation in Makkah and Madinah fills to capacity during the pilgrimage, the ministry has placed particular emphasis on the continuity of core services such as power, water, cooling and cleanliness. These are the services most likely to come under strain when large numbers of pilgrims occupy a building at the same time.

Two classifications: Economy and First Class

The updated framework sorts Hajj Season Accommodation Facilities into two categories, Economy and First Class, each with its own defined requirements and standards. The criteria cover common areas, guest rooms, reception areas, cleanliness, maintenance and the range of services offered to pilgrims.

By standardising what each category must deliver, the ministry aims to make the classification a reliable signal of quality. A pilgrim booking an Economy or First Class facility should be able to expect a consistent level of service regardless of which licensed operator runs the building.

Inspections before and during operations

The regulations introduce several stages of inspection and oversight. Checks begin before a licence is issued, continue through a pre-operation phase, and carry on during the period when facilities are actually hosting pilgrims. This layered approach is meant to confirm that operators not only meet the requirements on paper but maintain them throughout the season.

The ministry stressed that serving pilgrims is a shared responsibility and a national trust. It described the updated standards as part of its "Our Guests Are a Priority" campaign, which seeks to deliver a safe and well-organised hospitality experience that enriches the pilgrim's journey.

Early preparation for operators

The ministry has called on those seeking licences to operate Hajj Season Accommodation Facilities for Hajj 1448 to begin meeting the regulatory requirements early. It urged operators to complete maintenance and preparation work and to submit their licensing applications ahead of time, rather than waiting until the season approaches.

The measures form part of a broader push to strengthen the readiness of accommodation and hospitality across the two holy cities, supporting higher-quality and better-organised services as the Kingdom prepares for the next pilgrimage.

Practical tips for pilgrims

Pilgrims planning for Hajj 1448 should take note of the following:

  • Check the classification. Ask whether your accommodation is licensed as Economy or First Class, and confirm what services that category is required to provide.
  • Book through licensed providers. Arrange accommodation only through approved operators and official platforms such as Nusuk, rather than informal brokers.
  • Confirm the location. Ask how far the facility is from the Haram and how transport to the holy sites will be organised.
  • Keep records. Retain your booking confirmation and the name of the licensed operator in case you need to raise a service issue.

The updated standards signal that accommodation quality will remain a central focus of Hajj planning, and pilgrims who understand the new categories will be better placed to choose lodging that matches their needs.