In a decisive move to uphold tourism regulations, the Ministry of Tourism has imposed fines totaling SR 500,000 on 79 hospitality facilities across Makkah and Madinah for violating closure orders.

This action comes during the critical first two weeks of Ramadan, a time when the influx of visitors and pilgrims significantly increases. Of the penalized facilities, 58 are located in Makkah, while 21 are in Madinah.

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The ministry’s enforcement stems from instances where these establishments resumed operations without the required licenses, directly contravening the issued closure orders.

To ensure compliance, the Ministry of Tourism has conducted a thorough survey of all closed hospitality facilities, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining high standards in the tourism sector.

The penalties for non-compliance can be severe, potentially reaching SR 1 million, along with possible closure of the establishments.

The ministry emphasizes that the enforcement of closure orders is immediate, coordinated with regional authorities and security forces to facilitate swift evacuations and daily inspections of the affected facilities.

This proactive approach aims to safeguard the integrity of the hospitality sector and enhance the overall experience for visitors.

Operators of tourist facilities are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Tourism Law and its associated regulations.

The ministry offers electronic services for license issuance, making it easier for hospitality providers to meet legal requirements.

As the holy month of Ramadan progresses, the Ministry of Tourism continues to stress the importance of compliance, ensuring that all establishments contribute positively to the welcoming atmosphere that Makkah and Madinah are known for.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially designated 16 cities as “Healthy Cities,” with Jeddah and Madinah being the first cities in the Middle East to receive this accreditation.

This recognition marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s Healthy Cities Program, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents.

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Key Highlights

• Accreditation Significance: Jeddah and Madinah are the first cities in the Middle East with populations of over two million to achieve this status.
• Collaboration Efforts: The success of this initiative is attributed to effective collaboration among government and community stakeholders, utilizing more than 80 international evaluation criteria across nine core domains, including health, development, and sustainability.

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Strengthening Global Standing

The Saudi Ministry of Health has emphasized that the national health system is enhancing its global reputation through significant achievements in scientific research and international recognition.

Notable Achievements

1. Robotic Liver Transplantation Study: A study conducted by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) was recognized as one of the top 10 most influential research papers of 2024 by the American Society of Transplantation.
2. Global Hospital Rankings: Seven Saudi hospitals were featured in Brand Finance’s Global Top 250 Hospitals 2025 report, showcasing the Kingdom’s robust healthcare infrastructure and commitment to high-quality patient care.

Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030

These accomplishments align closely with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly under the pillars of “A Vibrant Society” and “A Thriving Economy.” The initiatives aim to enhance quality of life and foster innovation and scientific advancement.

These milestones reflect the integrated efforts of the national health system and various sectors, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional hub and a global destination for advanced healthcare.

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Saudi Aramco has finalized an $11 billion lease and leaseback agreement for its Jafurah gas processing facilities with an international consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), part of BlackRock.+

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Key Details of the Deal

• Assets Involved: The agreement includes Aramco’s Jafurah Field Gas Plant and the Riyas NGL Fractionation Facility.
• New Entity: The deal establishes the Jafurah Midstream Gas Company (JMGC), which will lease the assets from Aramco for 20 years and then lease them back to the company.
• Ownership Structure: Aramco will retain a 51% stake in JMGC, while the remaining 49% will be held by the investor consortium led by GIP.

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Financial Implications

Upon completion of the transaction, Aramco will receive $11 billion in upfront proceeds. This move is aimed at optimizing the company’s asset portfolio and reflects the robust outlook for gas demand in Saudi Arabia.

Strategic Importance

Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser described Jafurah as “a cornerstone” of the company’s gas expansion program. He emphasized its significance in supplying feedstock for petrochemicals and supporting growth sectors such as AI data centers.

Jafurah Field Overview

• Largest Development: The Jafurah field is noted as the largest non-associated gas development in the Kingdom, containing an estimated 229 trillion standard cubic feet of raw gas and 75 billion stock tank barrels of condensate.
• Production Goals: Aramco aims to increase its gas production capacity by 60% between 2021 and 2030.

Global Significance

Bayo Ogunlesi, GIP chairman and CEO, highlighted that this investment underscores the critical role of Saudi Arabia’s natural gas infrastructure in meeting global energy demands. Co-investors in this venture include major institutional investors from Asia and the Middle East.

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The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has introduced new regulatory requirements for factories both within and outside urban areas.

This initiative aims to enhance the industrial investment environment and ensure compliance with urban development plans across the Kingdom.

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Key Aspects of the New Requirements

Scope of Application

• Coverage: The requirements apply to all factory types, whether located in urban areas, support service areas, or approved industrial use zones.

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Licensing Requirements

To obtain a factory license, the following documents are necessary:

1. Valid Commercial Registration
2. Industrial License: Issued by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.
3. Environmental Permit: From the National Center for Environmental Compliance.
4. Approval from Civil Defense: Ensuring compliance with fire protection and building safety standards.

Spatial Controls

• Site Specifications: Factories must be located within areas designated for industrial or commercial use, with land area requirements of 300 to 600 square meters.
• Parking and Logistics: Factories must have designated parking for trucks and vehicles, as well as loading and unloading areas. An approved engineering design must outline movement tracks for trucks and pedestrians, including entrances and exits.

Technical and Architectural Standards

• Compliance with Saudi Building Code: Factories must use fire-resistant materials and provide ventilation, air conditioning, alarm systems, and fire-fighting systems.
• Accessibility: Pathways must be accessible for people with disabilities, and facades must adhere to urban codes or approved design guidelines.

Operational Requirements

• Security and Signage: Installation of security surveillance cameras and internal signage is required.
• Electronic Payment: Factories must offer electronic payment methods at sales outlets.
• License Compliance: Operations must remain within licensed boundaries and cannot continue after the license expiration.
• Unified QR Code: A QR code associated with the license data must be displayed for transparency and verification.

Waste Management and Hygiene Standards

• Factories must implement waste management mechanisms and maintain public hygiene standards. Regular maintenance is also required.

Enforcement and Monitoring

Municipal authorities will monitor compliance with these requirements and enforce penalties on violating facilities. This initiative is part of the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to improve the quality of industrial activities and create a safe and organized environment for investment.

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