Ministry of sports issues regulations for ticket sales at sporting events in Saudi Arabia

The ministry has revealed its intention to launch the 'Ticket Sales Platforms Accreditation' service via the digital platform 'Riyadi' on November 15, granting the operating platforms a 90-day period to update their systems and comply with the new requirements.

The regulations have limited sales and resale operations to organized entities or platforms that have received official accreditation from the ministry, according to technical and regulatory requirements that ensure transaction reliability, protect buyer data, and accommodate periods of high demand.

The regulations require platforms to clarify ticket prices and categories, as well as the terms of use, alongside fees, commissions, cancellation and refund policies, and compensation. They also mandate variable pricing organization and prohibit hidden fees and misleading methods in price determination.

The ministry has banned the trading of tickets through unapproved platforms and accounts, or the use of automated programs and multiple accounts to circumvent purchase limits, in order to maintain fairness in ticket distribution and limit practices that affect fans' opportunities.

The regulations include linking each ticket to the buyer's identity, setting a maximum limit on individual purchases, adhering to the approved capacity of the hosting facilities, as well as implementing cybersecurity and data protection requirements and linking platforms to entry systems.

These measures are part of the Ministry of Sports' efforts to develop governance in the sector, enhance transparency in the ticket market, protect the rights of beneficiaries, and improve the experience of fans in competitions and sporting events in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Ministry of Sports announced on Monday, October 26, 2026, new regulations for organizing the sale of tickets for competitions and sporting events and their resale, aimed at protecting the rights of fans, combating violations, and enhancing oversight and compliance.