Law No.22 of 2009 on Tourism.

This Law, comprising 61 articles, under Article 3 aims to achieve the following core objectives (i) economic growth by developing the tourism sector to increase its resources and revenues; (ii) institutional coordination and integration between relevant public and private institutions to help develop the tourism industry; (iii) resource and site regulation, defining, organizing, utilizing, and managing tourist areas and sites across the Republic; (iv) establishment, management, and utilization of tourist facilities, also defining their relationships with patrons and clients; (v) investment promotion, encouraging national, Arab, and foreign capital to invest in tourism projects in a manner consistent with the principles of the tourism industry and its economic, social, and cultural functions; (vi) ensuring the sustainable use and development of ecotourism while preserving its resources and scope; (vii) professional and public awareness regarding the importance of tourism and its role in achieving development goals; (viii) traditional crafts and handiwork support, connected to tourism to serve the industry. Article 5 establishes the Supreme Council of Tourism, mandated to handle the following (i) drawing up the general policy for developing and stimulating tourism to ensure higher growth rates and increase its role in the national economy, as well as approving the plans necessary to advance the tourism sector; (ii) coordinating between the various ministries and entities responsible for executing tourism development plans; (iii) reviewing available investment opportunities in the tourism field, approving investment proposals for islands and the establishment of tourist cities, and studying the privileges that can be granted to tourism projects in accordance with prevailing laws; (iv) evaluating tourism performance and working to remove obstacles regarding the allocation of land necessary for establishing tourist areas, sites, facilities, and projects; (v) approving the investment of tourist areas, sites, and natural reserves that possess tourism appeal, prohibiting any non-tourism exploitation within them.
Chapter 4 (Articles 9 and 10) regulates tourist areas and sites by assigning the Ministry of Tourism responsibility for (i) identifying, inventorying, and overseeing the designation of existing and newly discovered tourist locations; (ii) managing, supervising, developing, and promoting these areas in accordance with national tourism policies and development plans. The Chapter further establishes a licensing regime under which no person or entity may occupy, use, exploit, establish, manage, or operate tourism-related facilities or activities within designated tourist areas or sites without prior authorization from the Ministry of Tourism and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and classification standards. Chapter 5 (Articles 11 to 26) establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for tourism establishments, including hotels, resorts, floating vessels, restaurants, cafés, travel agencies, diving centres, natural spas, and traditional handicraft shops. It requires all such establishments to obtain a licence before being established, operated, or managed, and sets out specific rules governing licensing procedures, documentation, and contract registration. The chapter further regulates operations by requiring establishments to submit approved price lists to the Ministry on a periodic basis, display them prominently in both Arabic and English, and adhere to those prices when providing services. It also imposes record-keeping and reporting obligations, including the maintenance of accurate electronic registers and the submission of information on guests and overnight stays to the competent authorities. In addition, the chapter prohibits conduct contrary to public order or morality within tourism establishments and provides for the suspension or revocation of licences in cases such as the submission of false information or unauthorized alterations to licensed premises. Chapter 6 (Articles 27 to 30) establishes a framework for ecotourism aimed at promoting tourism in natural and cultural areas while ensuring environmental protection and sustainable development. The Chapter requires the Ministry of Tourism to develop ecotourism strategies, regulate the sustainable use of natural and cultural resources, involve local communities in tourism development, and support traditional skills and crafts. It also mandates the protection of ecological and historical sites through capacity management, conservation measures, and public awareness initiatives, while regulating the use of natural spas, springs, and other environmentally sensitive resources. In addition, the chapter imposes restrictions on construction and tourism development within ecotourism areas, requires environmental impact assessments and licensing for diving centres and maritime tourism activities. Chapter 7 (Articles 31 to 45) establishes the regulatory framework for the Tourist Guiding profession, requiring a license from the competent authority. The Minister of Tourism determines the specific number of licenses allowed per region, and guides are restricted to operating within their designated geographical boundaries unless they obtain written permission. Tourism companies and travel agencies are legally barred from leading tour groups without a licensed guide, and the Ministry maintains a dedicated registry for all authorized guides. Finally, the law outlines clear disciplinary procedures for contract violations or submitting fraudulent application data, failing to renew the permit, or transferring the license to another person.