Saudi Arabia unveils new regulations for wedding venues, mandates food waste prevention partnerships

Dubai: 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 codes
The 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 & safety
Venues 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 & compliance
All 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 standards
Venues 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 & monitoring
All venues must install surveillance cameras in compliance with national standards.