The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing issues municipal regulations for temporary accommodations in Mecca and Medina.

Monday 08 June 2026
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The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, has issued updated municipal regulations for temporary accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, with the aim of enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and improving the urban environment during the Hajj season. .

The ministry clarified that the scope of these requirements is limited to temporary accommodations designated for operation during the Hajj season, ensuring that their locations are organized and selected in suitable locations to serve pilgrims, and achieving the highest levels of safety and readiness. .

The updated requirements aim to improve the efficiency of temporary hospitality buildings, enhance compliance with municipal regulations, and achieve an architectural identity that is consistent with the heritage and environmental character of the two holy cities, thus contributing to improving the urban landscape and enhancing the experience of pilgrims. .

Licensing requirements include obtaining approvals from Civil Defense and supervisory authorities, submitting a valid commercial registration, and obtaining approval from the municipality for the site. Additional spatial requirements relate to area, building ratios, setbacks, and commercial signage. The requirements also include technical requirements related to the Saudi Building Code, safety standards, facades and general appearance, external staircases and sidewalks, and adapting facilities to meet the needs of various groups, including people with disabilities. .

The regulations also require temporary accommodations to implement a number of operational requirements, including hygiene standards, regular maintenance, waste management, provision of security cameras, and ensuring the safety of restrooms, washrooms, and prayer rooms, in addition to requirements specific to employees, most notably obtaining health certificates and adhering to the regulations approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. .

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing confirmed that issuing these requirements comes within its efforts to regulate temporary hospitality activity, encourage investment, and facilitate procedures, by providing a clear regulatory environment that contributes to the development of this vital activity, achieves a positive impact on the urban environment, and raises the level of satisfaction of the guests of God.

The requirements for temporary accommodations can be viewed by visiting the following link: https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-09/ashtratat%20alnzl%20almwqtt%20%20alm%60tmdt.pdf .

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia