Riyadh, 02 Jan. 2026

By: Shahid Nayeem

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.