Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The Ministry of Tourism started penalizing 79 hospitality facilities in Makkah and Madinah for resuming operations without obtaining the necessary licenses following the issuance of closure orders.

It has slapped total fines amounting to SR 500,000 on 58 hospitality facilities in Makkah and 21 in Madinah for the violations during the first two weeks of Ramadan.

The ministry confirmed that it is continuing to implement statutory penalties against facilities violating the tourism law and regulations. These penalties can range from a fine of SR1 million, closure, or both, particularly in cases of unlicensed operation.

The ministry explained that a comprehensive survey of all closed hospitality facilities has been conducted to ensure their compliance with the closure orders issued against them. It noted that the closure order is enforced immediately upon its issuance by the competent committee, in coordination with the regional emirates and security authorities, to ensure immediate evacuation and daily inspection of closed facilities.

The ministry stressed the need for all tourist hospitality facilities to comply with the Tourism Law and its regulations and obtain the necessary licenses prior to operation. It emphasized that the regulations impose standards that ensure improved quality of services provided and enhance the safety of visitors and pilgrims.

The ministry called on all operators and owners of tourist hospitality facilities to review the Tourism Law and its regulations on the official website, take advantage of the electronic services for issuing licenses through the electronic portal, and obtain the necessary support through the Unified Tourism Center via the 24-hour number 930