Saudi Arabia secures over 1.3 million beds for Hajj, licenses all pilgrim accommodation buildings

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia has secured more than 1.3 million beds for the 1448 AH Hajj season, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb announced. Speaking at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, Al-Khateeb revealed that all buildings designated to accommodate pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj season had been licensed asof the previous day, highlighting the Kingdom's early preparations. The minister said that approximately 4,000 accommodation buildings across Makkah and Madinah have been made available, providing a combined capacity of 400,000 rooms. He also revealed that temporary accommodation facilities for Hajj pilgrims have provided approximately 560,000 beds. Al-Khateeb highlighted the scale of accommodation capacity in the two holy cities, comparing their combined 400,000 rooms to the accommodation capacity available in countries worldwide. He said that only 10 percent of countries globally offer a comparable number of rooms. The minister explained that the Ministry of Tourism was entrusted with overseeing Hajj pilgrim accommodation last year, focusing on two key priorities: ensuring sufficient accommodation capacity and maintaining high service standards. In coordination with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and under the supervision of the Supreme Hajj Committee, chaired by the Minister of Interior, approximately 400 buildings were removed from service for failing to meet certain essential requirements. Al-Khateeb explained that building assessments focus on two main areas: structural safety and the quality of services provided within accommodation facilities. Working alongside Civil Defense, authorities assess buildings for structural integrity, emergency exits, overall safety and readiness, and suitability for licensed pilgrim accommodation. The minister also highlighted that Hajj pilgrim satisfaction had reached 93 percent, emphasizing that accommodation quality plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall pilgrim experience. He noted that even when airport and transportation services meet high standards, inadequate accommodation can negatively affect pilgrims' overall satisfaction. Al-Khateeb stressed that ongoing coordination among government agencies aims to ensure both sufficient accommodation capacity and high-quality services for pilgrims.