المملكة: “The safety of worshipers is a priority.” The Saudi building code sets new standards for mosques

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance stressed the necessity of adhering to the requirements of the Saudi Building Code in the construction and design of mosques in the Kingdom, stressing that these requirements keep pace with the latest engineering standards to ensure the safety and health of worshipers.
The Ministry explained that the guideline for building and designing mosques, which was prepared in cooperation with the competent authorities, requires that its provisions be applied at all stages of mosque construction, starting from design, alteration, and expansion, all the way to replacement, repair, maintenance, and removal.

Safe and healthy environment

The guide aims to provide a safe and healthy environment for worshipers by adhering to the minimum structural requirements, which include ensuring the structural resistance and stability of the mosque, providing safe means of exit, establishing effective sewage networks, providing adequate lighting and good ventilation, rationalizing energy, and protecting lives and property from fire. And other risks.
The guide also takes into account the safety of firefighters and emergency responders during rescue and evacuation operations, and specifies requirements for the mosque’s structural system and the design of its structural elements using reinforced concrete or steel structures, in addition to soil geotechnical considerations and foundation design.
The Ministry stressed that implementing these requirements contributes to building strong and safe mosques that meet the needs of worshipers and enhance the spirituality of worship.