Planning Hajj 2026? Saudi Arabia unveils new rules for accommodations | The Express Tribune

Saudi Arabia has unveiled a new temporary licensing system for pilgrim accommodations in Makkah and Madinah during the 2026 Hajj season, aiming to ease housing shortages and improve service quality for millions of worshippers.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced Wednesday that the initiative will allow property owners to obtain seasonal licenses for hosting pilgrims.

Developed in partnership with the ministries of tourism and municipalities and housing, the scheme is designed to expand capacity during the pilgrimage without compromising safety or standards.

Applicants will need to register through the Nusuk Masar platform, with approvals processed via the Ministry of Tourism’s online portal. The contracting period will close on 13 Sha’ban 1447 AH (February 1, 2026). Hotels that already hold year-round tourism licences will not be affected by the new rule.

Officials say linking licensed facilities to the Nusuk booking system will streamline reservations, prevent overcrowding, and create a safer, more organised experience for pilgrims.

For Pakistan, where Hajj is seen as a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual calling, the move is especially significant. Families save for years to afford the journey, and securing suitable accommodation has long been one of the biggest challenges for pilgrims and tour operators alike.

In 2025, about 189,000 Pakistanis were able to perform Hajj, their largest quota yet, split evenly between the government scheme and private operators. But demand continues to grow. The federal government is now drafting a new Hajj policy that seeks to raise Pakistan’s quota to 255,000 for 2026.

Officials are also considering reviving Hajj travel by sea and extending Saudi Arabia’s “Road to Makkah” immigration clearance service to more airports in Pakistan. Both steps could cut costs and reduce the strain of long journeys for elderly and first-time pilgrims.