Umrah Alert: Saudi Authorities Order Evacuation of 10 Hotels

Saudi authorities have reportedly ordered the temporary evacuation of several hotels in Makkah Near Haram, with affected properties required to remain vacant for approximately one week.

The development has prompted travel agents and Umrah operators to urgently review accommodation arrangements for pilgrims staying at the affected properties.

Hotels reportedly affected

According to an advisory circulated among travel agents and tourism partners, the following hotels/buildings have been instructed to evacuate:

Travel agents advised to arrange alternative accommodation

The advisory specifically asks travel agents and Umrah package operators to check whether any of their pilgrims or groups are booked into the affected properties.

Agents have been advised to make alternative accommodation arrangements immediately to avoid disruption or inconvenience for pilgrims.

Important: The circulated advisory states that the evacuation is for a period of approximately one week, following instructions from the relevant authorities.

What pilgrims and Umrah operators should do

Travel operators handling bookings at the listed properties should:

• Check all current and upcoming reservations.
• Identify pilgrims and groups staying at the affected hotels.
• Arrange alternative accommodation where necessary.
• Inform field teams and local representatives in Saudi Arabia.
• Confirm replacement hotel bookings before pilgrims arrive.
• Keep affected passengers informed about any changes to their accommodation.

Makkah and hotels in Madinah remain heavily dependent on hotel accommodation to handle large numbers of Umrah pilgrims throughout the year. Even a temporary closure of multiple properties can create operational challenges for travel agencies, particularly when groups have already been allocated rooms.

The latest advisory therefore highlights the importance of travel operators monitoring accommodation instructions issued by Saudi authorities and maintaining contingency arrangements during periods of high demand.