Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has unveiled new regulations for the commercial use of public sidewalks to foster the Kingdom’s urban environment, according to Gulf News.
The updated rules feature high standards for restaurants, cafés, and retail outlets seeking to utilize adjacent pavements for outdoor seating and product displays.
The move aims to ensure the vibrancy and aesthetic appeal of urban streetscapes while facilitating the movement of pedestrians and maintaining smooth traffic flow.
The ministry said that the new framework seeks to balance the advancement of local investment with the protection of public spaces, developing a cleaner, safer, as well as more orderly urban environment.
The updates also include detailed standards for the arrangement of furniture, umbrellas, barriers, and decorative greenery, to ensure a significant balance between accessibility and visual appeal.
Notably, business owners can obtain permits through the “Balady” platform, which provides users with a fully digital and streamlined application process.
Officials noted that the regulations reflect the ministry’s commitment to fostering public spaces, modernizing urban environments, and strengthening the appeal of Saudi cities as vibrant destinations for residents, visitors, and investors.
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