Saudi Arabia has introduced sweeping reforms to govern the design, operation, and environmental practices of wedding and event venues. The newly issued Saudi event venue regulations focus heavily on reducing food waste while enhancing safety, sustainability, and accessibility.
The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing announced the regulations to align with the Kingdom’s broader sustainability goals. Officials confirmed that all venues must now partner with certified organizations specializing in food waste prevention. These organizations will handle the repackaging, redistribution, or recycling of leftover food.
This marks a significant shift in how the Kingdom manages large social events. The Saudi event venue regulations now require formal agreements with food recovery groups. These efforts aim to ensure surplus meals benefit those in need, rather than ending up in landfills.
In addition to the environmental focus, the updated rules redefine physical standards for event spaces. For the first time, standalone event halls are officially permitted across the country. This offers new opportunities for developers and investors in the hospitality sector.
Every approved venue must include essential amenities such as gender-specific restrooms, service rooms with toilets, and designated reception zones. Administrative offices are also mandatory under the new guidelines.
To enhance the guest experience, the Ministry encourages venues to offer additional features. These may include hospitality lounges, safe play areas for children, and underground parking. These optional enhancements can add value while accommodating various types of events.
By implementing the Saudi event venue regulations, the government aims to standardize operations across all regions. It also hopes to position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in responsible hospitality practices.
Officials stressed that ongoing inspections will enforce compliance with the updated code. Penalties will apply for venues that fail to meet the requirements. Through the Saudi event venue regulations, the Kingdom promotes ethical, modern, and efficient event management for future generations.
