RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has issued new binding regulations governing the naming of public facilities across the Kingdom, introducing unified standards, governance frameworks, and clear religious and administrative restrictions, according to rules published in the Umm Al-Qura official Gazette.

The “Rules and standards for naming public facilities,” recently approved by the Saudi Cabinet, will come into force 120 days after publication and apply to all publicly owned facilities nationwide.

The regulations define public facilities broadly to include municipal, educational, cultural, sports, religious, health, transportation, and other government-owned assets.

Each government entity will be responsible for naming facilities within its jurisdiction in accordance with the new framework and relevant laws.

Under the rules, government entities must issue their own executive bylaws regulating the naming process. These bylaws must cover organizational, technical, procedural, and operational requirements, in addition to governance mechanisms overseeing naming decisions.

The regulations introduce strict prohibitions. Public facilities may not be named after Kings of Saudi Arabia, Crown Princes, or leaders of friendly or allied states without prior approval from the King.

Any names that contradict Islamic Sharia are explicitly banned.

The rules also restrict the use of the Names of God, permitting only seven names for public facilities: Al-Salam, Al-Adl, Al-Awwal, Al-Nur, Al-Haqq, Al-Shahid, and Al-Malik.

When facilities are named after individuals, authorities must verify the person’s integrity, including their intellectual orientation and criminal or security record, in coordination with relevant bodies.

The selected name must also be appropriate to the individual’s status and standing.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing will issue official naming categories after coordination with concerned authorities, and government entities must adhere to these classifications.

Final approval of facility names rests with the head of the relevant entity, who may delegate this authority if necessary.

The regulations allow numerical designations to be used in naming public facilities, either independently or alongside names.

To enhance coordination and consistency, each government entity must establish and maintain a comprehensive database of public facility names under its jurisdiction. These records must be updated regularly and shared annually with the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information.

The new framework repeals earlier provisions related to the naming of streets and squares contained in previous Cabinet decisions, along with any regulations that conflict with the updated rules.

The move forms part of broader efforts to modernize administrative practices, standardize public naming, and ensure alignment with religious principles, governance requirements, and national identity. (Saudi Gazette)

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