SCTNH: Women can rent hotel rooms without ‘mahram’

RIYADH: The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) has warned all providers of tourist accommodation services, including furnished apartments and hotels, against refraining from providing such services to women without mahram (guardian). Non-acceptance of women without mahram in these facilities violates the SCTNH system, the commission said. Housing of a woman without mahram is allowed, whether she is a Saudi or a foreigner, provided that the woman presents an original ID or passport, the statement said. Moreover, housing a woman who does not have an ID is permissible if accompanying a family (such as an aunt or close relative) or housemaids not employed by the housekeeper provided that all data of the family is registered at the facility. If a woman does not have an ID, she may be housed under certain conditions, the statement said. However, the SCTNH ordered the facilities not to house individuals under the age of 18 unless accompanied by their families or the legitimate guardian, or in emergency situations with the knowledge of the police. The SCTNH also asked tourist and hospitality facilities to ensure the safety of the visitors and their property during their stay in the facility. -arabnews