The Ministry of Municipality and Housing has approved updated regulations for the use of public sidewalks, aiming to organize commercial utilization of spaces adjacent to shops, restaurants, and cafés. This initiative seeks to ensure smooth pedestrian flow and enhance the urban appeal of cities.
The new regulations aim to strike a balance between commercial investment needs and the rights of road users by providing a safe urban environment that boosts street vitality without compromising pedestrian safety or obstructing movement. They offer a structured framework that allows commercial activities to benefit from sidewalk spaces within clearly defined boundaries, while preserving sidewalks’ primary role as open pathways accessible to all.
This approach reflects the ministry’s vision to develop public spaces in a way that preserves architectural identity and gives cities a more modern character. The regulations set precise standards for usage formats and boundaries, including the layout of outdoor seating, specifications for umbrellas, barriers, and decorative plants that enhance the aesthetic value of the space.
The regulations are based on key principles, most notably ensuring safe pedestrian passage, reducing visual clutter, and providing a clean and organized environment that accommodates both visitors and business owners.
The ministry clarified that permits will be issued electronically via the “Balady” platform, streamlining procedures and offering investors full transparency regarding application steps and regulatory requirements. The full guide to sidewalk use regulations is available at: https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-08/ashtratat%20tsryh%20ashghal%20rsyf%20m%60tmd.pdf
These regulations mark a new milestone in the ministry’s efforts to develop cities, enhance their vibrancy, and organize commercial activities—contributing to a more beautiful and well-structured urban environment and reinforcing the appeal of Saudi cities as attractive destinations for investment and everyday life.
The new regulations aim to strike a balance between commercial investment needs and the rights of road users by providing a safe urban environment that boosts street vitality without compromising pedestrian safety or obstructing movement. They offer a structured framework that allows commercial activities to benefit from sidewalk spaces within clearly defined boundaries, while preserving sidewalks’ primary role as open pathways accessible to all.
This approach reflects the ministry’s vision to develop public spaces in a way that preserves architectural identity and gives cities a more modern character. The regulations set precise standards for usage formats and boundaries, including the layout of outdoor seating, specifications for umbrellas, barriers, and decorative plants that enhance the aesthetic value of the space.
The regulations are based on key principles, most notably ensuring safe pedestrian passage, reducing visual clutter, and providing a clean and organized environment that accommodates both visitors and business owners.
The ministry clarified that permits will be issued electronically via the “Balady” platform, streamlining procedures and offering investors full transparency regarding application steps and regulatory requirements. The full guide to sidewalk use regulations is available at: https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-08/ashtratat%20tsryh%20ashghal%20rsyf%20m%60tmd.pdf
These regulations mark a new milestone in the ministry’s efforts to develop cities, enhance their vibrancy, and organize commercial activities—contributing to a more beautiful and well-structured urban environment and reinforcing the appeal of Saudi cities as attractive destinations for investment and everyday life.
