Al-Mazyad Named Saudi Vice Minister of Tourism

Abdulmohsen Al-Mazyad has been appointed Vice Minister of Tourism in Saudi Arabia, effective February 2026. The appointment supports the ongoing development of the Kingdom's tourism sector and the community-focused services it provides to residents, visitors, and businesses.

The move comes as the tourism sector continues to expand its regulatory framework, including clear licensing pathways for travel and tourism businesses. Under the current tourism-ministry service for tourism and travel agencies, licensing fees are SAR 10,000 for one year, SAR 11,000 for two years, and SAR 12,000 for three years.

Licensing fees at a glance

Tourism regulations set separate fee schedules by activity. Issuance fees for General Travel and Tourism Services are SAR 20,000, SAR 22,000, and SAR 24,000 for one, two, and three years respectively. Organizing Tours and Travel and Tourism Agency licenses are each issued at SAR 10,000, SAR 11,000, and SAR 12,000, while Accommodation Facility Unit Reservation licenses cost SAR 5,000, SAR 5,500, and SAR 6,000.

Renewal fees are lower. General Travel and Tourism Services renew at SAR 2,000, SAR 4,000, or SAR 6,000; Organizing Tours and Travel and Tourism Agency at SAR 1,000, SAR 2,000, or SAR 3,000; and Accommodation Facility Unit Reservation at SAR 500, SAR 1,000, or SAR 1,500. Additional fees include SAR 1,000 to SAR 3,000 for a branch office and modest charges to transfer license ownership or change an office location (SAR 400). Changing a commercial register or trademark, temporary closure, and license cancelation carry no fee.

Applicants are notified of the total fee through the portal and have 30 days to pay. License durations are one, two, or three years, depending on the selected service. For residents and small business owners in Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond, the clear fee structure and leadership continuity signal a steady, business-friendly environment as the sector grows.

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