Logo ofMinistry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH)
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH) approved updated regulations governing the issuance of permits for commercial establishments to operate 24 hours a day. 
The regulations set the requirements for obtaining permits, the implementation mechanism, and the authorities responsible for granting approvals.
They also identify the commercial activities exempt from the annual fee, which is capped at SAR 100,000 per year.
Under the updated regulations, the ministry exempted 10 categories of activities from the annual fee for 24-hour operations.
These include fuel-filling services at service stations, fuel stations and service centers located outside urban areas, hotels, hotel apartments, resorts and similar accommodation facilities, pharmacies, wedding halls, rest houses, and medical and educational activities.
The regulations stipulate that permits will be issued in accordance with the Law of Municipal Licensing Procedures and its executive regulations, subject to approval from the relevant municipality or municipal authority, as well as the competent security authorities.
The permits cover operating hours between midnight and 5:00 a.m., except during Ramadan and public holidays.
MOMAH also authorized municipal authorities to designate suitable commercial locations and streets for 24-hour operations, ensuring that such activities do not adversely affect residential neighborhoods.
In addition, the regulations require the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) to establish rules governing employees working beyond normal working hours, in accordance with its statutory powers and responsibilities.
Logo ofMinistry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH)
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH) approved updated regulations governing the issuance of permits for commercial establishments to operate 24 hours a day.
The regulations set the requirements for obtaining permits, the implementation mechanism, and the authorities responsible for granting approvals.
They also identify the commercial activities exempt from the annual fee, which is capped at SAR 100,000 per year.
Under the updated regulations, the ministry exempted 10 categories of activities from the annual fee for 24-hour operations.
These include fuel-filling services at service stations, fuel stations and service centers located outside urban areas, hotels, hotel apartments, resorts and similar accommodation facilities, pharmacies, wedding halls, rest houses, and medical and educational activities.
The regulations stipulate that permits will be issued in accordance with the Law of Municipal Licensing Procedures and its executive regulations, subject to approval from the relevant municipality or municipal authority, as well as the competent security authorities.
The permits cover operating hours between midnight and 5:00 a.m., except during Ramadan and public holidays.
MOMAH also authorized municipal authorities to designate suitable commercial locations and streets for 24-hour operations, ensuring that such activities do not adversely affect residential neighborhoods.
In addition, the regulations require the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) to establish rules governing employees working beyond normal working hours, in accordance with its statutory powers and responsibilities.
