Riyadh – May 17, 2025
The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has issued a strict warning to hospitality facilities and tourism-related businesses that fail to comply with licensing regulations.
The ministry confirmed that any facility operating without the proper license will be subject to severe penalties, including fines of up to SR1 million, facility closure, or both.
This move comes as part of the government’s efforts to regulate the tourism sector and ensure high service standards in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism strategy.
Who Must Have a License?
According to the ministry, the licensing requirement applies to all types of tourist and hospitality businesses, including:
- Hotels (from 1-star to 5-star)
- Resorts and beach lodges
- Furnished apartments for rent
- Tourist camps and chalets
- Vacation homes and private lodging rentals (such as Airbnbs)
- Travel agencies and tour organizers
- Event venues hosting tourist activities
These businesses must obtain the proper authorization from the Ministry of Tourism before offering services to the public.
What Happens to Violators?
Facilities found in violation of the Tourism Law face the following possible penalties:
- A fine of up to 1,000,000 SAR (approx. $266,000)
- Temporary or permanent closure of the business
- Legal action and possible license suspension
- Damage to the facility’s public reputation through listing in government violation records
The ministry confirmed that enforcement inspections will continue nationwide. Facilities operating without licenses will be detected and penalized.
A Ministry spokesperson emphasized:
“Operating without a license puts guests at risk and harms the industry’s credibility. We will not tolerate violations that affect service quality and public trust.”
Why the Ministry Is Taking Action
This decision is part of a broader push to professionalize and modernize Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The licensing process ensures that:
- Facilities meet safety and hygiene standards
- Staff are properly trained
- Guests receive consistent and high-quality services
- Businesses contribute to regulated tourism growth
Saudi Arabia has been actively investing in tourism, with giga-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea, and Diriyah Gate, and the government wants to ensure that smaller private operators also follow the rules.
How to Get Licensed
The Ministry of Tourism has provided online tools and portals for facility owners to apply for or renew licenses. To stay compliant, business owners must:
- Visit the official portal: https://mt.gov.sa
- Create an account or log in
- Submit the required documents (facility details, safety certificates, staff info)
- Pay any applicable fees
- Await approval or inspection by ministry teams
Final Reminder to Business Owners
The Ministry urged all business owners to review their legal status immediately. Those who are unsure whether their facility meets licensing requirements should contact the ministry directly or use the online help tools.
Ignoring these requirements may not only lead to financial penalties but also irreversible damage to the business reputation — especially in an industry built on trust and service quality.
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