Saudi Ministry Updates Hajj Accommodation Rules: What Makkah & Madinah Hotel Operators Must Know

Saudi Arabia has changed the conditions and licences for the accommodation facilities for pilgrims in the upcoming Hajj season 1448AH. The Ministry of Tourism has recently adopted a new framework with emphasis on accommodation levels, provision of necessary services, checks and operational readiness in Makkah and Madinah.

The changes aim to enhance the hospitality level, and to ensure that hospitality accommodation providers, such as hotels and seasonal housing facilities, have the ability to sustain essential services during the most heavily visited days of the pilgrimage. The operators have been encouraged to start preparations for compliance long before the pilgrims come.

Two-Tier Accommodation Classification

One major change in the new model includes a two-part distinction between First-Class facilities and Economy facilities. These standards must be met for each category which include what is required for reception areas, staffing, Luggage handling, Prayer spaces, Multilingual signage.

The guest room requirements include occupancy, mattresses, linen hygiene and air-conditioning. Facilities to be available with suitable access such as access ramp and elevator in appropriate rooms for elderly pilgrims and handicapped.

Critical Utilities Must Remain Operational

Another important concern during the journey of Hajj is service continuity. Accommodation operators should ensure the reliable operation of water, electricity supplies etc. and ensure that all infrastructure required in the accommodation works during the pilgrimage period.

Emergency power generators and secondary water supplies shall be provided in the facilities and records of elevator maintenance shall be readily available for inspection. In addition, fire alarms, suppression systems and emergency exits should meet the standards set by the Saudi Civil Defense.

Three-Stage Inspection Process

The new system sets out a 3-stage compliance process. The first phase includes imperative structural, safety and hygiene checks conducted prior to issuing the seasonal accommodation licence.

A second inspection occurs prior to operations commencing to ensure the staffing, cleanliness and preparedness of the facilities and utilities. Throughout the period of the Hajj, the inspectors can carry out operational inspections to detect and report any overcrowding and problems with the services to the approved facility, as well as any unauthorised changes and other problems.

What Hotel Operators Should Do Now?

Owners and managers of the properties need to start by taking a detailed facility audit of HVAC systems, plumbing, elevators, electrical network and fire-safety equipment. Any maintenance should have been completed prior to inspections.

It is also recommended that the operator should finalise the licenses documentation in advance and availability of the property is compatible with the guests’ requests. The planning for staff training, providing for clothing, communication or information in a variety of languages, and access should be incorporated into the readiness process.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations of provisions of the general licenses among those providers who are not authorized to operate could lead to regulatory action, as can overcrowding, failure to provide adequate safety and health elements, and failure to provide adequate utility in the accommodation.

Fines and administrative penalties, and even closure may be used to enforce the violation depending on the type of violation. In other words, compliance must be considered as a general consideration for an operational requirement, and not as a final licensing exercise for operators providing services for pilgrims.

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