The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing revealed that municipalities and affiliated local authorities carried out more than 7.7 million inspection rounds in recent months across cities, neighborhoods, commercial establishments, and construction sites as part of ongoing efforts to improve the urban landscape and enhance quality of life in cities across the Kingdom. The Ministry explained that inspection activities in November alone resulted in detecting and addressing 110,071 violations across various municipal sectors. It noted that monitoring efforts rely on an advanced technological ecosystem, including the AI powered “Balady Lens” system and geospatial analytics to identify visual distortions, in addition to surveillance cameras within food and health establishments and the use of approved checklists for monitoring commercial, food, and construction activities. The Ministry emphasized that municipal oversight is a core component of its regulatory and operational responsibilities, given its direct connection to pedestrian safety, neighborhood cleanliness, food safety, and the quality of daily services relied upon by residents. These efforts, it added, have contributed to higher compliance rates in commercial and food sectors, enhanced food safety, improved the urban landscape, and strengthened the organization of the built environment across the Kingdom. The Ministry stated that it will continue in the coming period to expand technology enabled monitoring, improve response efficiency to reports, and increase the presence of field teams in neighborhoods, thereby enhancing municipal service quality and maintaining a safe and balanced urban environment. The Ministry also urged community members and establishments to support monitoring efforts by reporting violations through approved channels, stressing that adherence to regulations is a shared responsibility and that community partnership is a key pillar in improving the urban landscape and achieving cleaner, safer, and higher quality cities across the Kingdom

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has updated the municipal regulations governing private slaughterhouses as part of its ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency, enhance service quality, and strengthen municipal compliance. The update was carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to support public health and ensure a safe and well organized urban environment. The Ministry explained that the new updates aim to develop the business environment within the private slaughterhouse sector, empower investors, and increase compliance with municipal requirements, contributing to reducing violations and improving the urban landscape. It clarified that the scope of the updated requirements covers all locations operating private slaughterhouse activities. Key prerequisites for obtaining licenses include adherence to the municipal licensing procedures and operational standards, securing Civil Defense approval prior to license issuance, and providing a valid commercial registration that lists the activities to be licensed. The Ministry emphasized that this update is part of an integrated framework through which it seeks to develop municipal services and enhance operational efficiency across the Kingdom’s regions. These efforts support the sustainability of the municipal sector and contribute to improving quality of life and creating a more organized and high quality urban environment. The updated requirements for private slaughterhouses can be accessed through the following link: https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-10/alashtratat%20albldyt%20llmsalkh%20alahlyt.pdf

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing emphasized the vital role that municipal services play in shaping a more convenient lifestyle and improving the quality of life in Saudi cities. It noted that integrated infrastructure and daily operational services are fundamental elements that contribute to creating a balanced and sustainable urban environment that meets residents’ needs in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The Ministry explained that municipalities across the Kingdom manage a wide system of services that directly impact daily life, including road networks, sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and rainwater drainage, in addition to sanitation services and public facilities. It highlighted that the integration of these services enhances the efficiency and sustainability of cities, improves the urban landscape, and supports the development of more attractive living environments. The Ministry stated that showcasing these efforts aims to raise awareness of the essential role played by the municipal system in supporting urban development, and to clarify that what residents experience is the result of continuous engineering and operational work based on precise planning and ongoing field monitoring to ensure the consistent delivery of high quality services. It further affirmed that Saudi cities today are managed through modern operational systems and specialized teams working in harmony to ensure infrastructure readiness and improve service efficiency. These efforts, the Ministry stressed, form a key pillar in enhancing quality of life and fostering thriving urban environments. The Ministry concluded that its efforts to improve municipal service efficiency aim to provide a higher quality and more accessible urban environment for residents by developing facilities and enhancing operations, ultimately contributing to a better lifestyle across Saudi cities.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has approved new regulatory requirements for event and exhibition halls as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the business environment, raise compliance with municipal regulations, and strengthen the sector’s investment appeal. The Ministry explained that the requirements include several conditions for obtaining a municipal license, such as providing a valid commercial registration, securing Civil Defense approval, and ensuring that hall locations comply with planning regulations both within and outside urban boundaries. The requirements also cover detailed organization of interior spaces, including the main hall, hospitality areas, reception zones, and service facilities. It noted that these requirements aim to regulate the operation of event and exhibition halls designated for commercial, entertainment, or cultural use, in accordance with clear technical, architectural, and operational standards. This contributes to enhancing safety, improving efficiency, and elevating the experience of investors and beneficiaries. The Ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to the Urban Building Code or the approved urban guidelines in the region where the facility is located, in addition to meeting fire safety and protection requirements, installing surveillance cameras, and ensuring full accessibility for persons with disabilities through properly designed entrances, ramps, and parking spaces. It added that these requirements form part of an integrated regulatory framework designed to improve service quality, enhance operational efficiency, and support the local economy in alignment with the sustainable urban development goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The requirements can be accessed through the following link: https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-04/ashtratat%20qa%60at%20almnasbat%20walm%60ard.pdf