Licensing set for buildings for Umrah accommodation

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has decided to activate the resolution by the Council of Ministers which will facilitate issuing licenses to Haj buildings and using them to accommodate Umrah pilgrims and visitors.
Hate Qadi of the Haj Ministry told a local newspaper that the removal of buildings surrounding the Two Grand Mosques had forced officials to find alternatives to accommodate the growing number of visitors and Umrah pilgrims.
Pressure has increased on the officials because of the expansion projects. Al-Qadi confirmed that delays in implementing the required conditions by owners of buildings allocated for Haj pilgrims prevents Umrah visitors from benefitting by the decision.
He said the difference between Haj and Umrah accommodations is that the latter is subject to SCTA conditions, which differ from general rules stipulated in other residence buildings.
He pointed out that residential buildings should meet the required conditions, saying the Ministry of Haj had held meetings with SCTA to clarify what is required for accommodating pilgrims and Umrah visitors.
The SCTA held a meeting which applied the decision by the Council of Ministers to issue the necessary licenses for Haj accommodation and use the buildings to house visitors and Umrah pilgrims.
The meeting was under the direction of SCTA chief Prince Sultan bin Salman. Its purpose was to coordinate between relevant authorities and activate the decision and involve them in the implementation of the system.
The meeting discussed purposes and procedures for Haj pilgrims’ accommodation, the mechanisms for receiving Umrah visitors all year round, improving the level of services in addition to clarifying the role of relevant authorities and studying minimum requirements for licensing accommodation centers.
The meeting recommended the review of minimum requirements for hotel operation established by the SCTA in Makkah and Madinah. It also provided the SCTA with all models and conditions to be studied by members who should express their views. In addition, the SCTA will provide a list of licensed accommodation for Haj pilgrims which will also be used by Umrah pilgrims all year round.
The SCTA aims to hold a meeting concerning electronic links between the commission and other relevant authorities.
Haj buildings for accommodating visitors and Umrah pilgrims throughout the year should be safe and able to bear weight. The rooms should face the street with 2.5 meters allocated to each person. No one should be accommodated in kitchens and passageways. Rooms should be fitted with air-conditioning and the Qibla should be prominently indicated.