UAE Legal NewsIn a bold sweep across the Kingdom’s tourism landscape, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has drawn a hard line against rogue operators flouting the rules. Establishments daring to open their doors without a valid license—or those ignoring suspension and revocation orders—are now staring down the barrel of serious penalties: fines reaching SR1 million, immediate shutdowns, or both.
The ministry isn’t just talking tough. It recently wrapped up a full-scale audit of shuttered tourism facilities, checking whether they’re staying closed as ordered. Armed with support from regional emirates, security units, and government agencies, teams are conducting on-the-ground inspections to ensure violators don’t slip through the cracks.
At the heart of this crackdown is a drive to polish the Kingdom’s image as a world-class destination. Authorities insist that licensed operations aren’t just a formality—they’re essential to upholding safety standards, service quality, and the overall experience for visitors and investors alike.
And the numbers tell their own story. In just the first half of Ramadan, 79 unauthorized hospitality businesses sprang back to life across Makkah and Madinah—58 in Makkah alone. The ministry responded with swift and sharp fines of SR500,000 per offender, a signal that leniency is off the table.
Officials are clear: any facility that resumes operations without correcting its legal status will face immediate closure. That decision, once handed down by the designated committee, is executed without delay, with support from local enforcement agencies.
For law-abiding players in the tourism industry, the ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to support and partnership. But for those skirting the system, the message is unmistakable—comply or close.
