Saudi Arabia Imposes Fines Of SAR250,000 On Unlicensed Tourism Facilities Across Top Cities

Remember, Saudi Arabia announced a penalty for tourism facilities that were unlicensed? Well, the authorities have decided to raise the fine and make the regulations stricter. So, if you’re running a hotel, resort, Airbnb-style stay, or any tourism facility in Saudi Arabia without the proper license, here’s your guide to make it legal asap!  The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has rolled out stricter regulations and heavier fines, and the risk of continuing illegal business is just not worth it! 

Saudi Arabia Raises Fines For Unlicensed Tourism Facilities In Key Cities

If you run any tourism facility in the key destinations of the Kingdom, then under the updated rules, a fine of SR250,000 would be levied. By key destinations, we mean Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, and giga-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea, Diriyah, Amaala, and Qiddiya. Yes, the penalty has risen fivefold from the previously announced fine of SR50,000. And don’t think paying off the fine and continuing is a good plan. If you do so, prepare for permanent closure until you clean up the mess.

Have a tourism operation in a low-key area like Taif, Dammam, Abha, Jazan, Tabuk, Hail, Najran, Jubail? You won’t be spared either.  Get ready to face a fine of upto SR150,000 for the same violation. You can’t cheat the system by sharing or “borrowing” tourism licenses. This practice can also you in a fine of upto SR60,000 in Tier 1 cities and SR55,000 in Tier 2.

Face Fine To Cause Inconvenience During Inspections

Tourism inspectors are on the roll now in Saudi Arabia. Blocking or obstructing inspections can earn facilities fines of SR10,000 in Tier 1 and SR7,000 in Tier 2. And if inspectors spot smaller violations, they can issue on-the-spot fines for penalties below SR10,000. Hotels do get a seven-day grace period to fix issues before the fines roll in. Post that it gets scaled by hotel category: SR6,000 for 5-star, SR5,000 for 4-star, and SR2,000 for serviced apartments.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Secures Michelin Keys With 7 Award-Winning Luxury Hotels

Tourism Made Easy For Travellers In Saudi Arabia

Also, for the convenience of travellers, tourism facilities must now respond to tourist queries in both Arabic and English, whether on the phone or by email. No more confusing back-and-forths or “lost in translation” moments.

Minor issues get a warning first, but repeat offenders within a year can see fines doubled. Chronic non-compliance may lead to license suspension or cancellation. The new framework groups regions into three tourism zones to tailor standards based on location and tourism impact.

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ xavierarnau from Getty Images