Saudi Arabia Opens Parks for Commercial Activities
The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has approved a plan to develop parks through commercial services. The new initiative will allow for the establishment of sports centers, cafes, shops, and social institutions in public spaces.
What Will Change in Saudi Parks
The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has launched an ambitious project to transform public parks into multifunctional spaces. The initiative includes the placement of commercial facilities that will serve as both a source of income for local economies and a place to improve the quality of life for residents. The project fully aligns with the goals of the national Vision 2030 program aimed at creating a dynamic and prosperous society. The classification of activities depends on the size of the park, allowing for optimal use of each facility's space.
What Services Will Be Available in Large Parks
Parks with an area of 5,000 square meters or more will be able to accommodate full-fledged sports centers and gyms for men and women, entertainment centers, kindergartens and nurseries, as well as specialized centers for the elderly and people with disabilities. Such large facilities will become real community hubs where residents can engage in sports, spend leisure time with family, and access necessary social services in one place. The placement of these institutions in parks makes them more accessible to local communities and promotes an active lifestyle in residential areas.
Trade and Cafes in Medium and Small Parks
Parks ranging from 1,200 to 5,000 square meters will have the right to host cafes, coffee shops, ice cream stores, fresh juice and soft drink stalls, as well as flower shops. Parks of 1,500 square meters will be able to sell fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, as well as engage in hydroponic vegetable cultivation. This variety of services transforms parks into vibrant, attractive spaces where people will want to spend time, meet friends and family, and shop for necessary goods.
Strict Requirements for Construction and Safety
The Ministry has established clear standards to protect parks as public spaces. Commercial buildings cannot occupy more than 25 percent of the total area of the park, the height of structures is limited to two stories, and the park must have a street access of at least 15 meters wide. Commercial facilities must not have windows facing directly onto residential streets, which protects the privacy of residents. Investors in underdeveloped parks take full responsibility for the construction, management, and maintenance of the entire park in accordance with approved technical standards and regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum size of a park for commercial activities?
The minimum area of a park for placing commercial facilities is 1,200 square meters. This allows for the placement of cafes, ice cream shops, and flower stalls. Larger parks are required for a more complete range of services.
Can a commercial building be taller than two stories?
No, strict regulations limit the height of buildings to a maximum of two stories. This is necessary to maintain the character of the park as a public space and to prevent excessive development in residential areas.
Who is responsible for the maintenance of the park when there are commercial facilities?
If the park was underdeveloped, the investor is fully responsible for its construction, management, and ongoing maintenance. For already developed parks, municipalities set conditions in investment contracts to ensure compliance with all technical requirements and regulations.
