The Commission for Tourism and Antiquities is to fine and close 40 furnished apartment blocks over the next few days after inspectors observed over 40 safety code violations. The violations, according to the Chief Executive of the Tourist Development Department in the Makkah region, consist of failures to obtain construction safety licenses from the Jeddah Mayor's Office or building safety licenses from the Civil Defense, as well as a lack of standard safety facilities. “All the locations have been informed, in accordance with the official inspection form of which they had been provided with a copy, that they are to cease admitting guests with immediate effect out of safety concerns,” said Chief Executive Mohammed Al-Amri. Al-Amri said that the owners of the sites should consult the Commission in Jeddah and correct all failures in accordance with regulations through the Commission, the Civil Defense and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs. According to Al-Amri, the moves come in part out of concern for the business owners themselves so that they can ensure they are providing the appropriate facilities ahead of the coming holiday season in around six weeks' time when Jeddah is expected to see a large influx of visitors. “It's a time of considerable revenues of which they are in great need,” he said. “This, however, will not mean that we will be open to extended deadlines for things to be put right, as the violations are safety violations and fundamental to the health and safety of tourists and other visitors.” Al-Amri praised the “hundreds” of other furnished apartment blocks in the city that have put all the required measures in place. Jeddah has approximately 800 furnished apartment buildings. The Tourism Commission is also to put into effect in the next couple of months a new classification system for furnished apartments and hotels that will see each establishment displaying a certificate approving prices for the standard of services it offers.
