The number of active commercial registrations for managing tourist accommodation facilities in Saudi Arabia reached 20,560 by the end of the third quarter of 2026, marking a 29% increase compared with the same period a year earlier.
In Q3 2025, the total stood at 15,965 registrations, meaning the sector added 4,595 new registrations over the 12-month period. The growth reflects rising activity across the Kingdom's hospitality and short-stay accommodation market.
Makkah led the regions with 8,075 registrations, followed by Riyadh with 7,110 and Madinah with 1,988. The Eastern Province recorded 1,456 registrations.
Why it matters
The steady increase points to growing demand for licensed tourist accommodation, from hotels and furnished units to short-stay rentals, as more residents and visitors travel within the Kingdom. For small business owners and investors, the trend signals continued opportunity in the hospitality sector.
Operators looking to run tourist accommodation facilities must obtain the appropriate licence. Licensing is requested through the official tourism accommodation facility service available on the GOV.SA platform. The published service listings do not specify an exact fee, processing time, validity period, or required documents, so applicants are advised to review the latest requirements directly on the official service before applying.
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