Saudi moves early to support growing Hajj demand

Nidhi Singh Parihar5 Aug 20252 Mins read

As preparations begin for Hajj 2026, Saudi Arabia has launched a dedicated e-service allowing licensed hotels in Makkah and Madinah to apply for increased bed capacity. Officials are proactively expanding services to manage the surge in pilgrim arrivals for the 1447 AH season while upholding quality standards.

The Ministry of Tourism hosts the initiative on its Tourism Activities Licensing Portal and invites operators with valid tourism accommodation licences to participate. Hotels can now request permission to add beds by submitting required documents and demonstrating compliance with safety and quality guidelines.

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A digital-first move to support millions of pilgrims

With Hajj attracting millions annually, ensuring sufficient and regulated accommodation is a priority. The new e-service replaces time-consuming manual procedures with a streamlined digital process, giving hotel operators enough lead time to prepare.

For UAE-based travel businesses, particularly those organising group pilgrimages or VIP packages, the clarity offered by this new system allows early alignment with their Saudi partners. This means smoother coordination, timely bookings, and reduced last-minute changes that often impact pilgrim experience.

UAE-based travel agencies stand to benefit

Many Dubai and Abu Dhabi travel operators work directly with Saudi hotels during the Hajj season. With this new capacity approval system now live, these agencies are encouraged to engage with their partner hotels in Makkah and Madinah to ensure bed expansion requests are submitted well in advance.

Moreover, this update provides reassurance to UAE pilgrims—both citizens and residents—that official accommodation in the holy cities will be more readily available and better regulated in 2026. More beds approved through official channels also mean improved safety, hygiene, and oversight.

A long-term step in Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation

The e-service rollout fits within Saudi Arabia’s larger tourism strategy, which aims to modernise pilgrimage infrastructure while maintaining strict hospitality standards. It complements ongoing mega-projects such as the Masar Destination in Makkah and Rua Al Madinah, which are also expected to enhance the spiritual journey for pilgrims in the years ahead.

What’s next for hotels and agencies

Hotels must log in to the Ministry of Tourism’s official portal to access the application section, upload relevant compliance documents, and await inspection and approval. The process is designed to ensure that any temporary capacity increase does not compromise guest safety or comfort.

Tour operators across the UAE are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the system’s requirements and timelines to help clients secure approved accommodation early, well before the peak Hajj rush begins.

Clear signal of preparation for a high-demand season

As the pilgrimage continues to draw growing numbers from across the globe—including a significant community from the UAE—Saudi Arabia’s move to digitise capacity approvals sends a clear message. Early readiness, managed growth, and reliable standards are now at the core of the Hajj experience.

For the thousands of pilgrims expected from the UAE in 2026, this also translates to improved accommodation planning and enhanced peace of mind.

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