Saudi Arabia Sets New Sports Event Ticket Rules

Oct 27, 2026•2 min read

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Sports issued new regulations on October 26, 2026, governing the sale and resale of tickets for sports competitions and events across the Kingdom. The rules aim to protect fans, curb unauthorized resale, and ensure fair, transparent pricing.

Under the regulations, ticket sales and resale are limited to event organizers and platforms accredited by the Ministry. Reselling through unauthorized platforms or accounts is prohibited, and each ticket must be linked to the buyer's identity. Individual purchase limits may apply, and venue capacity must be respected at all times.

To prevent abuse, the use of automated software and multiple accounts to bypass purchase limits is banned. Sellers are required to clearly disclose ticket categories, prices, fees, commissions, usage conditions, and cancellation, refund, and compensation policies. Hidden fees and misleading pricing are not allowed.

What fans can expect

Accredited platforms must offer clear procedures for complaints, inquiries, cancellations, and refunds. They are also required to protect customer data, meet cybersecurity requirements, and integrate with venue entry systems for smooth access on event days.

Ministry accreditation for ticketing platforms is scheduled to begin through the Riyadhi platform on November 15, 2026. Existing platforms have a 90-day window to update their systems and comply with the new requirements.

For residents and fans in Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond, the move is designed to make buying tickets safer and more reliable, reducing the risk of inflated resale prices and fraudulent transactions while improving the overall experience at sporting events.

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