المملكة: Preserving elegance and preventing noise…the most prominent requirements for event and exhibition halls

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has presented a list of requirements for event halls and exhibitions, via the “Estalaa” platform, with the aim of developing and improving the business environment in a way that achieves the general aspirations and goals of the individual and society together, and to help those wishing to invest in this field, and raise the standard of compliance to address manifestations of visual distortion.
The regulations obliged event halls to sign a contract with the Grace Preservation Associations to take responsibility for the food and drinks that are surplus to the attendees’ need, so that they are rearranged and packaged, then distributed to those in need, or recycled.

License and compliance with requirements

It was prohibited to hold any event without obtaining a license or to hold “popular” folkloric performances outside the event hall (the outdoor celebration square) without obtaining a permit from the competent authorities, while complying with the executive regulations for noise of the environmental law.

The regulations require event halls to adhere to the requirements for kitchens and restaurants issued by this ministry if a main kitchen is provided inside event and exhibition halls.
It allowed the establishment of event halls and exhibitions outside the stages of urban development until the year 1450 AH and inside or outside the development protection zone.
It recommended following the following guidelines regarding the distribution of tables and chairs, so that the distance between tables in their various shapes (circular, square, or rectangular) should not be less than 150 cm.
It stipulated that event and exhibition halls and their facilities, including the warehouse, be provided with lighting means and equipment in accordance with the approved standard specifications, and to ensure the efficiency of light distribution and its coverage of all areas of event and exhibition halls, including the warehouse, in a way that ensures the safety of workers and visitors.

The regulations permit the use of gas lighting outside event halls and exhibitions, and the use of lasers and special lighting for celebrations inside and outside event halls and exhibitions, provided that they are not directed at vehicle drivers on nearby roads, while adhering to the instructions for use with the relevant authorities. ​
It stressed that the roof must be made of fire-resistant materials that are not affected by moisture to ensure that insects and rodents are not sheltered, while the regulations allowed the installation of a false ceiling and the use of exposed ceilings, iron structures, and metal panels, provided that the security and safety requirements for roofs are taken into account, and required that the roofs be metal panels or iron structures. Treated with rust-resistant materials, if used for ceilings. ​
The regulations oblige the licensee to finish the floors with materials appropriate to the type of activity that do not conflict with the materials contained in the General Saudi Building Code “SBC 201,” and that all drainage holes, water and sewage tanks, and inspection rooms must be tightly closed. ​