Saudi Arabia launches new licensing system for Hajis' accommodation

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has announced a new licensing system for pilgrim accommodations in Makkah and Medina for the 2026 Hajj season.

Licences will now be issued through the temporary hostel licensing service, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, according to Saudi Arabian media reports.

Applicants must register through the Nusuk Masar platform to qualify for leasing pilgrim accommodations. Licenses are to be obtained via the Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism's electronic platform, in line with approved requirements, before the contracting period closes on 1 February 2026.

The process does not apply to hotels that already hold year-round licences from the Saudi tourism ministry.

The temporary hostel licensing system aims to boost service quality, streamline bookings, and enhance the Hajj experience in the holy sites in Mecca and Medina. The new system is designed to improve service quality by issuing seasonal licences that meet regulatory standards.

It integrates licensed accommodations with the Nusuk platform for coordinated bookings, enhances hospitality capacity during Hajj, and ensures a safe, organised experience for pilgrims through the electronic licensing platform.