Saudi Ministry of Sports Issues Ticket Sales Rules

The Saudi Ministry of Sports issued new regulations on 26 October 2026 to govern the sale and resale of tickets for sports competitions and events across the Kingdom, in a move aimed at protecting buyers and curbing informal ticket trading.

Under the rules, ticket sales and resales are limited to event organizers and platforms accredited by the Ministry of Sports. Unauthorized platforms, accounts, and informal trading of tickets are prohibited. Tickets must also be linked to the identity of the purchaser, and purchase limits may be applied.

Sellers are required to clearly disclose key details before purchase, including ticket categories, prices, usage conditions, fees, commissions, cancellation and refund rules, and compensation policies. Hidden fees and misleading pricing are banned, and any variable pricing is subject to regulatory controls.

The regulations also target technical abuse of ticketing systems. Bots, automated purchasing software, and the use of multiple accounts to bypass purchase limits are prohibited. Ticketing platforms must protect personal data, meet cybersecurity requirements, remain stable during high-demand sales, and integrate with venue-entry systems. Sales must stay within the approved capacity of each venue.

Why it matters

For residents and fans in the Kingdom, the measures are designed to make buying tickets fairer and more transparent, reduce the risk of scams, and limit resale at inflated prices. As sports events continue to grow in popularity across Saudi Arabia, the framework sets clearer expectations for both organizers and ticket buyers.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving