The Ministry of Municipality and Housing has approved regulatory requirements for tobacco product retail stores, aiming to promote public health, ensure compliance with relevant regulations, and establish a safe and orderly commercial environment across cities in the Kingdom. The ministry clarified that the requirements apply to all stores selling tobacco products and accessories, including cigarettes, shisha, and electronic cigarettes. To obtain a license, applicants must present a valid commercial registration, secure approval from Civil Defense, and fully comply with the Municipal Licensing Procedures System and its executive regulations. The requirements include spatial conditions, most notably that the store must be located within a commercial building inside the urban boundary and at least 500 meters away from mosques and schools. The minimum store area is set at 36 square meters, with additional conditions determined by each municipality based on street width and site classification. Investors are also required to meet technical and architectural standards, including facade designs aligned with the Urban Code or Saudi architectural design guidelines, accessible ramps for people with disabilities, installation of alarm and fire suppression systems, and adherence to the Saudi Building Code for ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and fire prevention. The ministry emphasized the importance of complying with technical standards outlined in the regulatory guide, which prohibit mixing or repackaging products or selling them in unauthorized packaging. Stores must verify product suppliers, refrain from selling tobacco products to individuals under 18, avoid using public sidewalks beyond store boundaries, install internal and external surveillance cameras, maintain general cleanliness, dispose of waste safely, and offer electronic payment options. The ministry also stressed the need to display warning signs inside stores with educational messages about the harms of smoking, along with a QR code linked to license data and regulatory authorities to ensure transparency and ease of verification. The regulations prohibit promoting tobacco products or offering them as rewards or free samples, and ban the sale of single cigarettes or products that do not meet standards approved by the Food and Drug Authority. Municipal authorities will monitor the implementation of these requirements on the ground and apply penalties to violating establishments, as part of efforts to enhance oversight, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with approved regulations—ultimately contributing to a more disciplined and high-quality urban environment.
The Ministry of Municipality and Housing has approved the updated executive rules for the Municipal Violations Penalty Regulations, establishing a unified regulatory framework for applying municipal penalties and refining mechanisms for monitoring, assessment, and fines. This initiative aims to enhance compliance efficiency across cities in the Kingdom. The ministry stated that the updated rules classify violations into major and minor categories, assigning appropriate penalties to each, including financial fines, temporary closures, and license revocations. A system of automatic escalation is applied for repeated offenses. Fines may reach up to 2 million SAR for certain major violations and up to 1 million SAR for others. Penalties are calculated based on the type of violation, the classification of the municipality, and the size of the establishment. Offenders of minor violations are granted a grace period to rectify their status before penalties are imposed. The updated rules stipulate that violations must be monitored and recorded electronically via the “Mumtathil” and “Efaa” platforms to ensure swift action, accurate documentation, and transparent processing. The rules also empower municipalities to impound vehicles or equipment left in public spaces and sell them through public auctions. Additionally, they authorize disconnection of electricity services from sites that fail to address major violations in accordance with the established regulations. This approval is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to advance the municipal oversight system, improve compliance efficiency, enhance quality of life, and protect public facilities, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The full executive rules for the Municipal Violations Penalty Regulations can be accessed at: https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-08/alqwa%60d%20altnfydhyt.pdf
Ministry of Municipality and Housing Updates Requirements for Professional Workshops
The Ministry of Municipality and Housing has announced updated municipal requirements for professional workshop activities, aiming to regulate these services to meet citizens’ needs and improve service quality in accordance with global safety standards. The updated requirements apply exclusively to repair and maintenance activities and do not cover the sale or marketing of materials and products. The revised requirements include spatial criteria such as location, development specifications, facades, and the overall appearance of the workshop. They also cover construction standards, including flooring, interior walls, ceilings, stairs, external sidewalks, accessibility ramps, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting systems, and electrical installations. Fire protection requirements mandate compliance with the Saudi Fire Protection Code. Waste management, site cleanliness, and worker-related conditions fall under health-related operational requirements. Technical operational requirements include general operating standards, maintenance protocols, and specific requirements for servicing electronic devices, installations, display units, and internal workshop signage. The ministry emphasized that these updates reflect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing development under Vision 2030 and address essential citizen needs. The revisions are based on internationally recognized standards. The full requirements for professional workshops can be accessed via the following link: (link)
The Ministry of Municipality and Housing has announced the release of an updated list of technical and regulatory requirements for car rental offices and vehicle shelter centers. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s strategic efforts to regulate this vital sector and stimulate investment, contributing to the development of the urban landscape and enhancing quality of life in Saudi cities. The updated requirements cover designated locations for renting land, sea, and air transport vehicles, including rental offices, shelter centers, and their associated facilities. These standards were developed in line with global best practices and in coordination with relevant authorities, ensuring a balance between investor needs and beneficiary rights, while taking into account planning, architectural, technical, and operational aspects. The new regulations include precise controls related to activity locations, architectural design standards, façade requirements, designated parking spaces, public safety, cleanliness and maintenance protocols, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and compliance with the Saudi Building Code, Fire Protection Code, and all relevant regulations. They also address the organization of complementary and compatible activities, the provision of electronic payment methods, installation of surveillance cameras, and the placement of clear and updated internal signage. This update builds on the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote a culture of compliance and simplify adherence procedures through modern digital tools such as the “Balady” platform. These efforts aim to create an integrated urban environment that reduces visual clutter, alleviates traffic congestion, and improves the efficiency of public facility usage. The Ministry emphasized that compliance with the updated requirements opens broad opportunities for investors to establish facilities aligned with the Kingdom’s developmental transformations, offering high-quality services that enhance market competitiveness, improve user experience, and support the local economy. The updated list of requirements for vehicle rental offices and shelter centers is available on the Ministry’s official website for those interested, via the following link: https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-03/ashtratat%20mkatb%20ta%27jyr%20wsay%27l%20alnql.pdf. It is worth noting that the Ministry has recently updated a range of municipal requirements for various commercial and service activities, aiming to enhance infrastructure efficiency, improve building and facility safety, elevate the urban landscape, provide a safe and healthy environment, facilitate business operations, and empower investors to deliver high-quality services that meet community aspirations and support the national economy
The Ministry of Municipality and Housing has announced the completion of its operational and field plans for this year’s rainy season. These plans were implemented through an integrated system by municipalities across various regions of the Kingdom, aiming to enhance public safety, ensure the smooth delivery of municipal services, minimize rain-related damages, raise community awareness, and strengthen communication with residents. The Ministry clarified that municipalities have activated 24/7 operations and emergency rooms, in direct coordination with the National Call Center and relevant entities, to monitor and respond promptly to incoming reports. Field teams, machinery, and equipment have been mobilized to address water accumulation sites and flood pathways, alongside conducting preventive maintenance for drainage networks, culverts, and bridges. Preparations also included the execution of specialized projects to address critical points, the construction and expansion of new drainage networks and channels, and the enhancement of existing stations—some of which now exceed a capacity of 18,000 liters per second. These efforts have contributed to reducing the number of critical sites from over 600 in 2022 to fewer than 300 in 2025, reflecting the advancement of sustainable solutions and the effectiveness of implemented projects. The Ministry emphasized that municipalities have strengthened their human and mechanical readiness by deploying tens of thousands of field and technical personnel, and operating thousands of diverse equipment units across vital locations under flexible rapid-response plans. Additionally, simulation drills and hypothetical scenarios for rain and flood events were conducted to improve response capabilities and train teams in handling emergencies. The plans also promoted digital integration through the use of advanced national platforms for real-time monitoring of rainfall and reports, such as “Ajwaa,” “Emerge,” and “Flow Map,” ensuring swift decision-making and enhanced response efficiency. Moreover, the municipalities’ efforts extended beyond addressing the effects of rain and floods to include health and environmental aspects. Preventive programs were implemented to combat water stagnation and disease-carrying insects, ensuring a safe and sustainable urban environment. These efforts were carried out in coordination with the General Directorate of Civil Defense, the General Traffic Department, service companies, and security and health authorities, guaranteeing the continuity of municipal services under various weather conditions. The Ministry called on citizens and residents to cooperate by promptly reporting water accumulations and observations via the unified number (940) and the “Balady” platform, affirming that these efforts are part of enhancing community readiness and raising public safety awareness. It is worth noting that the Ministry continues its role in developing infrastructure to address climate change. In 2024 alone, over 454,000 linear meters of rainwater drainage networks were implemented, compared to 291,000 meters in 2023—a growth rate of 5.8%. The total length of networks executed since the launch of its projects has now exceeded 8 million linear meter
Municipalities and Housing Urge Reporting of Group Housing Violations via "Balady" and 940
The Ministry of Municipality and Housing has called on members of the community to report violations related to group housing for individuals through the "Balady" platform or by calling the unified number (940). The ministry emphasized that reporting such violations contributes to enhancing safety, public health, and improving the quality of life in residential neighborhoods. The ministry explained that this initiative is part of a comprehensive plan aimed at raising awareness about the importance of adhering to approved health and technical requirements in group housing. This helps limit irregular practices, ensures the safety of residents, and promotes compliance with municipal regulations. It reaffirmed its ongoing monitoring efforts in cooperation with relevant authorities, noting that private sector establishments have a shared responsibility to provide suitable housing environments for workers. This supports sustainable urban development and aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to improve quality of life. Recently, the ministry launched an updated version of the health, technical, and safety requirements guide for group housing for individuals. This effort aims to regulate this type of housing and standardize its controls, contributing to the creation of safe and healthy living environments that meet residents’ needs and support quality of life across cities in the Kingdom. It is worth noting that the Ministry of Municipality and Housing leads the National Program for the Development of Group Housing for Individuals, which includes several government entities such as: the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority, and the Public Health Authority "Weqaya".
The National Program for the Development of Collective Housing for Individuals has called on all establishments that employ 20 workers or more to obtain a group housing license through the “Balady” platform, noting that the licensing procedures are fully electronic and simplified, in line with the requirements, conditions, and guidelines published on the platform. In a press statement today, the Program explained that issuing the license and complying with its regulations contributes to improving the quality of worker housing, providing them with a suitable and healthy environment, and enhancing overall quality of life in these accommodations, while also strengthening compliance with municipal requirements. The Program emphasized that establishments failing to obtain the license will expose themselves to statutory violations outlined in the Guideline for Control Procedures on Collective Accommodation for Individuals, in addition to being barred from accessing certain government services—such as expanding visa quotas and transferring workers via the “Qiwa” platform. It further noted that field inspections will be conducted to monitor and verify establishments’ compliance with licensing and regulatory requirements, as part of its efforts to regulate and develop a suitable residential environment for workers, improve the urban landscape, and support quality-of-life objectives. The Program is chaired by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing and includes the membership of the following entities: the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority, and the Public Health Authority “Weqaya.” The Program aims to enhance the system of collective housing and provide suitable residential environments for workers in the Kingdom, in line with the objectives of the Quality of Life Program—one of Vision 2030’s key programs.
MOMAH Updates Regulatory Requirements for the Veterinary Care Sector
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has updated the regulatory requirements for the veterinary care sector, with the aim of improving the quality of services provided in veterinary facilities, enhancing public health, and balancing operational and safety requirements, while also stimulating the investment environment. The Ministry explained that the updated requirements apply to all veterinary facilities, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, pharmacies, shelters, and training centers, and specify clear standards for site selection, size, design, equipment, and operational procedures, in line with public health requirements and the urban fabric. The Ministry emphasized the necessity of maintaining a valid commercial registration and securing approvals from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, as well as Civil Defense, while adhering to spatial regulations under the building codes, including setbacks, coverage ratios, parking spaces, and landscaping. The updated requirements also allow additional compatible activities that do not exceed 50% of the facility area, in accordance with set regulations, while ensuring that the facility’s façade aligns with the surrounding urban identity, complies with the Saudi Building Code in utilities, ventilation, and construction materials, and provides accessible entrances for persons with disabilities. The Ministry further stated that the requirements include the installation of surveillance cameras, provision of electronic payment methods, and placement of a QR code on the façade, in addition to compliance with general hygiene requirements and the proper handling of veterinary waste in accordance with approved regulations. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing stressed that these requirements are mandatory for both existing and new facilities, highlighting that compliance is a prerequisite for continuing operations or renewing licenses, and that violating facilities will be subject to legal action. The updated requirements can be accessed via the following link: https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-04/alashtratat%20albldyt%20llr%60ayt%20albytryt.pdf. These updates form part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to raise the efficiency of facilities, improve the quality of specialized services, enhance compliance, and ensure the safety of both animals and the community, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 to create a well-organized, healthy, and sustainable urban environment.
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing announced an update to the requirements for tourist hospitality facilities, in a step aimed at developing the tourism investment environment, improving the quality of services provided to citizens, visitors, and residents, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 to build sustainable cities and enhance quality of life across the Kingdom’s regions. The Ministry explained that these requirements come as part of a package of initiatives designed to create an integrated urban environment that encourages compliance and enhances the competitiveness of the tourism sector. The updated requirements were developed by leveraging global best practices in the design and operation of hospitality facilities, promoting a culture of compliance with municipal regulations, enhancing environmental sustainability, and improving the urban landscape in Saudi cities. They also ensure alignment with local regulations such as the Saudi Building Code and the standards issued by the Ministry of Tourism and other technical and regulatory bodies. The updated requirements cover aspects related to location, urban planning, and architectural design, as well as operational requirements, general cleanliness, safety, secure electronic payment solutions, accessibility standards for people with disabilities, and other elements that ensure a high-quality hospitality environment that meets users’ needs and aligns with modern industry standards. The Ministry emphasized that compliance with these requirements is a shared responsibility that contributes to creating a safe investment environment and achieving a balance between urban development needs and preserving urban identity, making Saudi cities a regional and global model to follow. The updated requirements can be accessed via the following link: https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-04/ashtratat%20mrafq%20aldyaft%20alsyahy%20m%60tmd.pdf
As part of its efforts to expand partnerships that support innovation and accelerate the pace of digital transformation, “Balady” signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Al-Jouf Municipality to establish a qualitative partnership that opens new horizons for developing municipal services and enhancing the user experience. The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Al-Jouf Region, and in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Mr. Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail. The MoU was signed by Al-Jouf Municipality Mayor, Eng. Atef bin Mohammed Al-Shar’an, and the CEO of “Balady,” Mr. Yasser bin Nasser Al-Obaidan. On this occasion, His Excellency Al-Hogail stated: “We believe that strategic partnerships in the municipal sector are a key driver to achieving the objectives of Vision 2030. Today, we are working to build a municipal service ecosystem that is more innovative, more sustainable, and closer to the citizen.” He added that the partnership between “Balady” and Al-Jouf Municipality embodies this direction, where digital solutions and modern technologies are transformed into a reality that directly impacts quality of life in cities and empowers municipalities to respond to residents’ needs with greater efficiency and flexibility. For his part, Al-Jouf Municipality Mayor, Eng. Atef bin Mohammed Al-Shar’an, affirmed that the signing of this MoU represents a turning point in developing municipal services in the region, noting that the collaboration with “Balady” will provide the municipality with more effective tools to enhance operational efficiency, launch innovative initiatives that support sustainable development, and meet the aspirations of Al-Jouf’s residents and visitors. The CEO of “Balady,” part of NHC Innovation, explained that this collaboration is a practical step toward achieving the objectives of Vision 2030 in building smart and sustainable cities. He added that the cooperation with “Al-Jouf Municipality” will enhance the municipal sector’s readiness to meet the needs of citizens and residents through advanced digital services and high-efficiency technical solutions. The Memorandum of Understanding between “Al-Jouf Municipality” and “Balady” establishes a strategic partnership focused on developing smart municipal services and building innovative digital solutions. The MoU also includes launching training programs and specialized workshops that enable municipal staff to gain new expertise and exchange best practices with the “Balady” team, thereby improving operational efficiency and fostering an innovative work environment. The partnership also includes activating “Fast Track” services, allowing users to access more flexible and faster solutions, based on advanced operational standards inspired by the best global and local practices in the municipal services sector. Furthermore, the MoU stipulates the full integration of the “Balady” unit into Al-Jouf Municipality, including defining roles, responsibilities, and work mechanisms, to ensure the provision of more effective and sustainable services that meet the needs of the region’s residents and visitors. Through this partnership, both “Al-Jouf Municipality” and “Balady” reaffirm their commitment to enhancing innovation in the municipal sector and developing modern services that align with the ambitions of Vision 2030, contributing to building more sustainable cities and improving quality of life for residents and visitors.
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has announced the updated requirements for the spatial planning of water service activities, in a step aimed at improving the business environment, encouraging investment, and raising compliance standards. This initiative seeks to enhance the quality of utilities and services provided to individuals and communities while achieving a balance between urban development needs and the preservation of Saudi cities’ urban fabric. The Ministry explained that the updated spatial planning requirements for water service activities were prepared in collaboration with relevant authorities and are based on modern technical and regulatory standards that consider the unique nature of the activity and its location within the urban fabric. The update emphasizes the integration of operational, technical, and environmental aspects to ensure the provision of efficient, safe, and high-quality water services. The update covers several activities, such as desalination and water purification plants, ensuring their regulation within a clear framework that considers environmental and urban dimensions, enhances regulatory compliance, and improves the efficiency of facilities related to this vital sector. The Ministry stressed that compliance with these regulations is a shared responsibility that reflects urban awareness and contributes to improving the quality of life in the Kingdom’s cities. This issuance is part of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to updating regulations and developing services related to critical activities, in order to provide a regulatory environment that supports investments while maintaining the quality of the urban landscape and public safety. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing called on all sector stakeholders to review the updated requirements and comply with them by visiting the link: https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-03/ashtratat%20altkhtyt%20almkany%20lanshtt%20tqdym%20khdmat%20almyah.pdf.
البلديات والإسكان" تطلق مبادرة "تطوعك يبني مستقبلك" لتعزيز المشاركة المجتمعية
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has launched the “Your Volunteerism Builds Your Future” initiative, which aims to strengthen the culture of volunteer work as one of the pillars of sustainable community development. The initiative also seeks to enhance individual participation in improving the urban landscape and raising the quality of life, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030. The Ministry emphasized that the initiative is part of a strategic framework that enables individuals to directly contribute to the development of their urban environment through well-structured volunteer pathways that address neighborhood needs. These initiatives are implemented in partnership with institutions and governed by frameworks that ensure efficiency and sustainability. According to Ministry statistics, by the end of June 2025, the total number of volunteers participating in its initiatives exceeded 171,494 volunteers, with contributions distributed across service, humanitarian, and developmental areas. These include housing, community monitoring, and environmental programs, as well as humanitarian efforts such as supporting funeral services and assisting bereaved families. The Ministry explained that the growing turnout for volunteering initiatives reflects increasing community awareness and the success of efforts to transform volunteerism into a regular practice with a tangible impact on residents’ daily lives. Volunteer work is seen as an essential driver to enhance belonging, national responsibility, and the quality of municipal services. Additionally, the ministry announced the implementation of several key initiatives over the past period, including the “Volunteerism Hackathon,” which serves as a platform for co-created developmental solutions, the National Volunteerism Award, and the International Program for Empowering Volunteer Leaders. These programs target individuals aged 18 and above, aiming to empower youth, encourage innovation, and ensure inclusive volunteering opportunities for all segments of society. The Ministry invites interested individuals to register for the “Your Volunteerism Builds Your Future” initiative via the official link: https://balady.go.link/3TVGQ.
