In a significant regulatory step aimed at improving service quality and enhancing public health standards, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced a comprehensive update to the municipal regulations governing the operation of private slaughterhouses. This step comes as part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to develop the municipal sector, granting existing facilities a 12-month grace period to comply with the new regulations, thus ensuring business continuity and supporting a safe and organized investment environment.
General context and importance of modernization
This update comes as part of the major transformations the Kingdom is undergoing under Vision 2030, which prioritizes improving the quality of life and the safety of citizens and residents. Slaughterhouses have always been a vital sector directly impacting consumer health, necessitating a modern regulatory framework that keeps pace with developments and meets health and environmental requirements. The new regulations primarily aim to address the phenomenon of "unregulated slaughter," which is prevalent in undesignated areas, particularly during religious seasons like Eid al-Adha, and the serious health and environmental risks associated with it, such as disease transmission and pollution.
Expected impact on public health and the economy
These regulations are expected to have a multifaceted positive impact. Locally, their implementation will raise the safety standards of meat sold in markets and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, directly benefiting public health. Regulating the sector will also open new investment opportunities and encourage the establishment of exemplary projects that adhere to the highest standards, thereby enhancing competitiveness and improving the quality of services provided. Environmentally, these measures will contribute to improving the urban landscape and reducing pollution resulting from the unsafe disposal of slaughterhouse waste.
Key features of the new requirements
The requirements adopted by His Excellency the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Mr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, cover all aspects of slaughterhouse operation, from location to services provided, and include:
- Licensing requirements: Obtaining approvals from multiple entities such as the Civil Defense and the National Center for Environmental Compliance Control, in addition to a valid commercial registration.
- Spatial requirements: Slaughterhouses may be permitted inside or outside the urban area, provided that controls are in place to prevent negative impact on the surroundings, and that 4 parking spaces are provided for every 100 square meters of building area.
- Building and safety standards: Strict application of the “Saudi Building Code” in all structural, electrical and mechanical aspects, with the provision of dedicated walkways and ramps to facilitate access for people with disabilities.
- Technology and transparency: Installing security surveillance cameras, providing electronic payment methods, and placing a quick response (QR Code) on the interface to display licensing data, which enhances oversight and transparency.
- Operational flexibility: Allowing kitchens to obtain temporary permits for slaughtering during the Hajj season, and allowing the addition of homogeneous business activities within specific controls.
The ministry confirmed that these new requirements replace all previous regulations and guidelines, and become effective immediately upon their publication, establishing a new phase of precise regulation that balances supporting investment and protecting public health in all regions of the Kingdom.
