New rules for Saudi Tourism: Penalties, classification and SME subsidies explained
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has approved amendments to the tables of violations and penalties and enforcement laws in all tourism activities, in order to strengthen compliance, and improve the quality of service in all areas throughout the country.
Under the revised strict framework, the Ministry of Tourism will determine fines using specific methods that consider the location and size of each tourism establishment, marking important steps in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and improving compliance with the tourism law.
The updated tables also ensure proportionality between fines, size of facility, category of activity, and type of violation.
Saudi tourism laws
The Department of Tourism has introduced a new classification of major violations to ensure stricter management of cases that occur more frequently in the tourism industry.
In another step toward fair use, the ministry established a policy to issue warnings for minor abuses, allowing institutions a grace period before fines are imposed.
The Ministry said that this change aims to improve the quality of service, support safety standards, and protect the rights of visitors in the rapidly growing tourism sector of the state.
As part of these amendments, several violations have been reclassified to reflect their impact on the quality of service and the safety of visitors.
The Department of Tourism is also developing an enforcement process to promote greater transparency and accountability.
Tourism fines
According to the amended tables, tourism activities without a service license, involving activities after a license or permit, or performing any activity that may pose a risk to the Saudi public, are now considered serious violations.
This classification also includes inspectors who block or refuse to cooperate, with penalties that can include license revocation or partial or full closure of premises.
These amendments followed several consultations with investors, partners, and those working in the tourism industry, held through meetings and workshops across many Saudi cities and regions.
The Ministry of Tourism has confirmed that these updates are part of an integrated and coordinated framework designed to improve the effectiveness of the tourism investment program, and ensure a safe, high-quality tourism experience for all visitors.
The authorities urged all tourism agencies to review and comply with the revised tables and terms, published on its official website.
The ministry has also confirmed that it will continue its nationwide inspection campaigns and impose legal penalties on violators.
Key changes at a glance
- Fines now commensurate with facility size and location – Ensuring excellence and uniqueness
- A new “Sooplook soebliations” category for serious breaches affecting security or reputation
- Warnings and grace periods introduced for minor violations before penalties are applied
- Stricter penalties for illegal activity, prohibiting inspectors, or endangering public safety
- Extensive sector consultation with investors, operators, and experts throughout Saudi Arabia
