Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the long-standing Tawafa Organizations, introducing a new structure of Hajj Hospitality Companies under recently approved regulatory amendments designed to modernize and strengthen services for foreign pilgrims.

The Council of Ministers approved changes to 21 articles of the regulations governing service providers for international pilgrims, adding an additional article to support the transition.

Under the new framework, Hajj Hospitality Companies fall into four distinct categories:

• firms licensed to serve pilgrims in Makkah and the Holy Sites,
• companies supplying water to pilgrims in Makkah accommodations,
• operators responsible for receiving and transporting pilgrims at entry points and overseeing their departure,
• and companies licensed to serve visitors at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

A key change is that companies licensed to operate in Makkah, the Holy Sites, and Madinah may no longer provide services directly. Instead, they must establish separate entities dedicated to serving pilgrims. Water service providers and transport companies, however, may form their own service companies.

No new companies may be created for hosting pilgrims, and ownership and management of existing hospitality companies are now restricted to Saudi citizens. Shares will be inherited under the Personal Status Law, with specific procedures set for non-Saudi heirs to withdraw their shares.

Pilgrims or their representatives must now contract directly with licensed service providers, ensuring clearer accountability. The amendments also seek to expand Saudi participation in Hajj service roles and attract qualified nationals to enhance service quality.

Strict penalties apply for violations. Any company or its board or staff found breaching regulations may face suspension for up to three years, with individuals subject to dismissal or bans of up to five years.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been granted broad authority to ensure uninterrupted services for pilgrims, including contracting alternative licensed providers and recovering costs from non-compliant companies. The ministry may also establish coordinating councils to support service providers and oversee their responsibilities.

The reforms mark one of the most significant structural changes to Hajj operations in decades, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s aim to enhance efficiency, transparency, and the overall pilgrim experience.

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), has announced the opening of SEVEN Tabuk, expanding its entertainment network and supporting the Kingdom’s quality-of-life and regional development goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

SEVEN Chairman Abdullah Al Dawood said the opening represents another step in the company’s strategy to develop accessible entertainment destinations that are closely connected to the communities they serve.

SEVEN Tabuk is the company’s second entertainment destination, following SEVEN Abha, as SEVEN continues its plans to establish destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Located within Tabuk city, the fully indoor, all-weather destination is designed for everyday entertainment, offering residents and visitors a wide range of activities without requiring long-distance travel.

The destination operates from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends and from 4:00 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, while Scene Cinemas operates daily from 4:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

SEVEN Tabuk combines international attractions with locally developed concepts. Key offerings include Discovery Adventures, featuring immersive exploration-themed environments, and Hot Wheels E-Karting, an interactive karting experience inspired by the global brand.

The destination also features SEVEN’s homegrown concepts, including Kawaken, Kawaken Junior, GolFi, Cyber Bowling and Scene Cinemas, providing entertainment options for families, young people and a broad range of visitors.

Beyond entertainment, SEVEN Tabuk is expected to contribute to the city’s wider development by supporting local employment and strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

The opening further reinforces Tabuk’s position as an emerging leisure destination in northern Saudi Arabia while expanding access to entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.

Source: SPA

Green spaces and public parks across Makkah are playing an important role in improving the city’s urban environment and creating more comfortable spaces for residents, visitors and pilgrims.

The city has 290 public parks, many of which feature landscaped green areas, safe pedestrian walkways, sports facilities, courtyards, shaded seating areas, service amenities and playgrounds.

These spaces help provide shade, reduce heat absorption from urban surfaces and offer areas for movement, recreation and rest.

The development and maintenance of parks are particularly important in Makkah, which welcomes millions of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors throughout the year.

Expanding landscaping, shaded areas and open pedestrian spaces forms part of broader efforts to improve the pilgrim experience by creating a more comfortable and accessible urban environment.

The parks also complement Makkah’s wider network of services and facilities, supporting the city’s efforts to enhance quality of life while accommodating the needs of its residents and millions of visitors.

Source: SPA

Irqah Village, one of the oldest settlements in Riyadh Region, is showcasing more than 1,000 years of history through its traditional architecture, heritage sites and cultural experiences.

Once a thriving agricultural center, the village developed around mud-brick homes, historic mosques, farms and water sources, creating a distinctive architectural and social identity.

At the heart of the historic village, Bayt Isa recreates aspects of traditional Najdi life through its majlis, cafés, heritage pathways, courtyards and rooftops. The heritage house offers visitors an immersive experience reflecting the architectural style and social traditions of the Najdi environment.

Handicrafts further enrich the experience, with workshops helping revive traditional skills passed down through generations. Local outlets also provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their work, linking cultural heritage with its social and economic roots.

Since opening, Irqah Village has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, supported over 50 cottage-industry families and hosted filming by more than 20 production companies.

The village has also generated more than three million digital views and interactions, highlighting its growing popularity and the potential of its heritage spaces for tourism, culture and creative activities.

Source: SPA