Latest news with #MinistryofMunicipalandRuralAffairsandHousing
Gulf Insider
05-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Unveils New Regulations for Wedding Venues
Saudi Arabia has rolled out comprehensive new architectural, operational, and environmental regulations for wedding and event venues, including a mandatory requirement to partner with certified food waste prevention organisations. Issued by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, the updated regulations aim to reduce food waste and ensure venues meet national standards in design, safety, and sustainability. All venues must now establish formal agreements with certified food and beverage waste prevention organisations. These groups will help ensure surplus food is safely repackaged, redistributed to those in need, or properly recycled. New architectural & design codesThe regulations now permit standalone event halls and require essential amenities such as gender-specific restrooms, service rooms with bathrooms, and designated reception and admin areas. Optional features include hospitality lounges, children's play zones, and underground parking. To maintain aesthetic standards, the codes prohibit visible wiring and rooftop AC units and require that exterior designs align with regional urban identities. Loading zones must face commercial streets only—residential street access is prohibited. Accessibility & safetyVenues must meet accessibility standards for people with disabilities across all pavements, stairs, and entryways. Solid boundary walls (minimum 2.4 meters high) must be built next to residential areas, with transparent fencing at the front. Parking areas must include pedestrian walkways. Transparency & complianceAll venues must display a QR code giving access to legal documents at all times. Inside, electronic signs must show emergency contacts, civil defense instructions, and venue hours. Licenses are mandatory for operation. Violations include removing closure notices, holding unlicensed events, hosting unauthorized folkloric performances, or exceeding noise limits. Operational standardsVenues must maintain infrastructure, fix visible damage, and uphold cleanliness. Table and chair arrangements must allow at least 150 cm between tables and 120 cm from walls. Secure e-payment systems are required, with accepted methods clearly displayed. Refusing electronic payments is strictly prohibited. Surveillance & monitoringAll venues must install surveillance cameras in compliance with national standards. Also read: Bribery, Abuse of Power: 140 Saudi Government Officials Detained as Nazaha Intensifies Graft Probe
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia raises white land tax to 10%, introduces annual levy on vacant properties
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has approved amendments to its White Land Tax Law, raising the annual levy on undeveloped land from 2.5% to 10% of its value and introducing, for the first time, an annual tax on long-vacant properties without justified use. The changes, passed during Tuesday's Cabinet session, are aimed at boosting property development and increasing housing supply, as the government works to address rising real estate prices. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing announced plans to offer housing units across various regions in partnership with private developers, priced between SR250,000 and SR1.2 million. The initiative targets raising Saudi homeownership to 66% this year, according to Minister Majed Al-Hogail during a recent government press conference. The amendments also unify the tax application stages, with the annual tax now covering individual or combined landholdings of 5,000 square meters or more within designated urban zones. Previously limited to residential and commercial land, the scope has expanded to include any undeveloped land suitable for development. Regulations for white lands will be issued within 90 days, while rules governing vacant property taxation are expected within a year. Minister Al-Hogail acknowledged the sharp rise in real estate prices in Riyadh but noted that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had issued swift and firm directives to ensure property prices align with industrial, agricultural, commercial, and housing growth. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
01-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia raises white land tax to 10%, introduces annual levy on vacant properties
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has approved amendments to its White Land Tax Law, raising the annual levy on undeveloped land from 2.5% to 10% of its value and introducing, for the first time, an annual tax on long-vacant properties without justified use. The changes, passed during Tuesday's Cabinet session, are aimed at boosting property development and increasing housing supply, as the government works to address rising real estate prices. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing announced plans to offer housing units across various regions in partnership with private developers, priced between SR250,000 and SR1.2 million. The initiative targets raising Saudi homeownership to 66% this year, according to Minister Majed Al-Hogail during a recent government press conference. The amendments also unify the tax application stages, with the annual tax now covering individual or combined landholdings of 5,000 square meters or more within designated urban limited to residential and commercial land, the scope has expanded to include any undeveloped land suitable for for white lands will be issued within 90 days, while rules governing vacant property taxation are expected within a Al-Hogail acknowledged the sharp rise in real estate prices in Riyadh but noted that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had issued swift and firm directives to ensure property prices align with industrial, agricultural, commercial, and housing growth.
Khaleej Times
30-03-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Saudi ministry shuts down food chain branches after food poisoning reports
On Sunday, the Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing issued a statement announcing the temporary closure of branches of a food establishment. The statement follows reports from several media outlets and social media accounts claiming that authorities shut down branches of a well-known Egyptian dessert chain in Saudi Arabia due to a large number of food poisoning cases linked to its products. The popular dessert chain, known for its Egyptian-inspired sweets, has rapidly gained recognition across the Gulf but now faces increased scrutiny following the incident. According to reports, authorities have confiscated food samples for laboratory analysis, and apps like Jahez and HungerStation suspended the chain's listings on delivery services. Referring to the reports, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, without naming the brand, clarified that through the efforts of its municipal teams across various regions, it has promptly addressed the complaints through field inspection teams and has taken the necessary regulatory measures to ensure public health and safety. The ministry further noted that most suspected cases of food poisoning have recovered, while the remaining cases are receiving the necessary medical care and are in stable condition. The ministry confirmed that in coordination with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, it had responded to the reported cases and handled them according to the approved procedures. As a precautionary measure, the manufacturing facilities and branches of the establishment have been temporarily closed until the completion of verification and analysis processes. The ministry reiterated that consumer health and safety are top priorities. It continued to coordinate with the relevant authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of food products. The ministry also urged the public to verify information before sharing and to rely on official sources for accurate updates. Saudi Arabia
Asharq Al-Awsat
10-03-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Homeownership Rate Approaches 2030 Target
Saudi Arabia is steadily progressing toward achieving its housing program targets under Vision 2030, with homeownership rates among Saudi families reaching 63.7% in the past year. This marks a significant step toward the program's goal of 70% homeownership by the end of the decade. According to a recent report from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, more than 205,000 off-plan housing units were licensed and launched in 2024, with over 60,000 units delivered. Additionally, Sakani, the government's housing initiative, made 165,000 plots of land available, allowing beneficiaries to build homes tailored to their future needs. To support low-income families, the ministry provided over 50,000 housing units, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable social housing solutions. Efforts continue to diversify options and create integrated residential communities that meet citizens' needs. The Real Estate Development Fund (REDF) deposited SAR 11.9 billion ($3.1 billion) into the accounts of Sakani beneficiaries last year. The program offers digital services that help recipients customize their housing support and select optimal financing solutions. By the end of 2024, more than 122,000 families had benefited from Sakani's housing support services. The 'Your Installment is Your Support' program, which offers flexible payment options for off-plan and self-construction homes, recorded 2,700 beneficiaries. Additionally, 107,000 housing finance contracts were signed, demonstrating the continued growth of the sector. Financing solutions with a reduced interest margin of 2.59% were provided to over 22,000 Sakani beneficiaries in the low-income category. Meanwhile, nearly 962 beneficiaries received subsidized installment plans, and 59,000 low-income families secured government-supported mortgage loans. In total, Sakani provided approximately 70,000 financing packages for off-plan, ready-built, and self-construction homes. In its latest quarterly report, Sakani outlined key initiatives aimed at enabling Saudi families to own their first home. The program continues to expand housing options and financial solutions to improve homeownership rates, enhance citizens' quality of life, and align with Vision 2030 housing objectives. The report highlighted a variety of financial solutions used by families in late 2024, including off-plan units, self-construction, ready-built homes, and land support programs. By year-end, more than 107,000 financing contracts had been signed, with nearly 58,000 benefiting low-income families. To cater to different financial needs, Sakani offers a range of customized financing solutions, including financial support packages, down payment assistance, in-kind support, reduced financing margins, affordable mortgage plans, flexible installment options, and mortgage guarantee programs.
