Saudi Arabia suspends contracts with 1,800 foreign Umrah travel agencies
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended contracts with around 1,800 foreign Umrah travel agencies, nearly one-third of the approximately 5,800 agencies operating in the sector
Saudi Arabia has taken regulatory steps affecting religious tourism and wildlife management in early February 2026, alongside a range of regional and international developments.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended contracts with around 1,800 foreign Umrah travel agencies, nearly one-third of the approximately 5,800 agencies operating in the sector. The move followed a performance review that found shortcomings in service quality and non-compliance with approved standards, says Arab News.
The affected agencies have been given a 10-day grace period to rectify their status and meet classification requirements in order to have their contracts reinstated. The suspension applies only to the issuance of new visas, while pilgrims who already hold valid visas or confirmed reservations will continue to receive services as planned. The ministry said the measure is intended to protect the rights of Umrah performers and ensure reliable and continuous services.
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Separately, Saudi Arabia's National Center for Wildlife announced the conclusion of the 2025–2026 hunting season on 31 January. The season, which began in September 2025, was regulated under updated mechanisms based on research and international best practices. Authorities said the framework was designed to support the sustainable use of natural resources and maintain ecological balance in line with the Kingdom's Environmental Law.
In sports developments, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz defeated Serbia's Novak Djokovic to win his first Australian Open title. Riyadh also hosted a WWE Royal Rumble event, with Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan emerging as winners.
In religious services, the Grand Mosque introduced a dedicated Ramadan plan for women, while Indonesia announced it would deploy a record number of women officers to assist Hajj pilgrims.
On the international front, Pakistan condemned what it described as Israel's latest ceasefire violations and called for advance food imports ahead of Ramadan to reduce pressure on its ports.
In the economic sector, Saudi Arabia's Housing Ministry said it offered more than 21,000 investment opportunities in 2025, with contract values exceeding $3.35 billion.
