The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced a qualitative leap in the urban planning sector, represented by the issuance of 1,239 new licenses for shared housing for individuals during 2025. This announcement reflects the rapid development in the municipal licensing system, as the achievements also included the issuance of more than 1,000 licenses that are fully compliant with the requirements of the Saudi Building Code, which enhances the urban identity and provides a safe and organized residential environment.
A regulatory framework that aligns with Vision 2030
These steps are part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Ministry to regulate the collective housing sector, which in previous years faced challenges related to haphazard development and low service standards. The Ministry is currently working, with the support of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programs, to transform this sector into an attractive and organized investment environment that guarantees workers' rights and provides them with a decent standard of living. This will positively impact public health and occupational safety, and improve the urban landscape of Saudi cities.
Digital transformation and speed of completion
The ministry explained that these achievements would not have been possible without the significant development in the digital infrastructure of the "Baladi" platform and its approved processes. The ministry recorded a record in processing speed, with the average time for issuing municipal licenses reaching approximately 24 hours. Data indicates that 87% of licenses were issued within one day or less, facilitating the commencement of operations for investors and business owners without bureaucratic obstacles and enhancing the flexibility of the investment environment in the Kingdom.
Control and compliance indicators
The ministry's efforts were not limited to issuing licenses; they were accompanied by intensive monitoring campaigns to ensure compliance with standards. The monitoring teams achieved 95% coverage of municipal activities, contributing to raising the compliance rate of establishments to 88%. This increase in compliance rates reflects the awareness of establishment owners regarding the importance of implementing regulations and underscores the ministry's commitment to regulating construction practices and preventing violations that could negatively impact quality of life.
Contractor qualification and market regulation
In its efforts to enhance the efficiency of the construction and municipal services sector, the Ministry has qualified and classified over 24,000 contractors to ensure projects are implemented according to the highest quality standards. The Ministry has also launched more than 25 model contracts through the "Baladi Business" platform and has successfully ensured that 40% of municipal services are covered by qualified service providers. These measures aim to protect beneficiaries and guarantee their access to professional and reliable services.
In conclusion, these indicators and figures confirm the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing’s commitment to continuing to develop its procedures and update its regulatory guidelines, in line with national objectives to improve the urban environment and make Saudi cities more sustainable and livable.
