New Hajj Accommodation Rules Set for 2026 Season

The Ministry of Tourism has approved updated Hajj-season accommodation regulations for pilgrim lodgings in Makkah and Madinah, applying to the 1447 AH (2026) and 1448 AH seasons. The new framework covers licensing, classification, operational standards, and penalties for host facilities.

Under the rules, all hospitality providers hosting pilgrims — including hotels, furnished apartments, and temporary lodging units — must obtain an official seasonal license, and only licensed properties may operate during the Hajj period. Facilities that already hold year-round hotel licenses from the Ministry are exempt from the seasonal process; their approvals appear automatically on the centralized pilgrim services platform, requiring only electronic account activation before contracting with pilgrims.

Seasonal licenses are issued exclusively through the Ministry's electronic platform, linked with the Nusuk Masar system for pilgrim service coordination. Providers must register on Nusuk Masar as accommodation providers, then submit a licensing application through the Ministry's electronic portal (tlg.mt.gov.sa) with the required documents and proof of compliance with hospitality and safety standards.

The deadline to obtain seasonal licenses and complete contracting for the 1447 AH (2026) season is 13 Sha'ban 1447 AH, corresponding to February 1, 2026. Applications and contracting through the platform will not be accepted after this date.

Facilities must verify operational readiness before hosting pilgrims and meet safety and maintenance standards, including building safety, fire systems, and regular upkeep. They must also ensure continuity of essential services such as electricity, water, sanitation, and elevators. The updated classification system introduces two main tiers — "economy" and "first-class" — with standards covering sleeping quarters, lobbies, common areas, hygiene, repairs, and guest care. The changes aim to raise the quality and safety of accommodation for the millions of pilgrims who travel to the Kingdom each year.

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