The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has approved new municipal regulations governing commercial data centers. This decision aligns with Saudi Arabia's efforts to enhance its digital infrastructure and establish structured parameters for investments in the sector, which serves as a critical foundation for managing, processing, and storing data for both public and private entities.
The newly introduced regulations apply to standalone commercial data centers, regardless of whether they are located within or outside urban borders. Eligible sites must feature convenient access for operations and maintenance teams, alongside connections to vital utility networks such as telecommunications, transport, and electricity. Additionally, developers must adhere to established regulations regarding setbacks, building heights, parking space, and landscaping.
To secure the necessary licenses, applicants must have a valid commercial registration relevant to the activity, obtain approval from the Civil Defense, and secure authorization from the supervising authority. The processing, renewal, alteration, suspension, and cancellation of these licenses will be managed in accordance with the Municipal Licensing Procedures Law and its corresponding executive regulations.
Furthermore, all commercial data center designs and construction processes must align with the Saudi Building Code and be supervised by accredited engineering firms. Facilities are required to meet both local and international specifications regarding structural design, fire safety, cooling mechanisms, electrical networks, and backup power solutions. Additional requirements dictate aesthetic aspects such as building facades, illumination, ceiling and floor specifications, access for individuals with disabilities, regular maintenance, waste disposal, security monitoring, and the display of a unified electronic code linking to regulatory documentation. The rules are active starting from their publication date.
