Municipality Requirements for Opening a Restaurant in Saudi Arabia (2025): Your Complete Guide with Diamond Glare
Opening a restaurant in Saudi Arabia is a dream for many entrepreneurs — but it cannot be achieved without a thorough understanding of the municipality's requirements, which ensure safety, quality, and long-term success
These requirements cover everything related to the restaurant’s location, kitchen design, ventilation, cleanliness, and safety systems. They form the foundation of trust between the business, customers, and regulatory authorities
This is where Diamond Glare, a specialized company in central kitchen equipment and a leader in commercial kitchen and restaurant setups in the Kingdom, steps in — to help you meet all municipal requirements with precision and professionalism, from design to full operation
Why Do Municipal Requirements Matter
Saudi municipalities enforce a set of conditions and regulations for opening a restaurant, aiming to
Protect public health and consumer safety
Ensure a safe work environment and compliant facilities
Regulate commercial activity and reduce environmental risks
Improve restaurant quality and enhance the customer experience
At Diamond Glare , we go beyond equipment supply — we offer technical consultations to ensure your restaurant aligns perfectly with these goals
Types of Restaurants and Their Specific Requirements
Municipality requirements for opening a restaurant vary based on the type of business activity
Restaurant Type |
Key Requirements |
Municipality Notes |
Fast Food Restaurant |
High-efficiency exhaust systems + prep area |
Additional ventilation is essential |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Approved architectural design + separate lobby |
Specific aesthetic requirements |
Café or Coffee Shop |
Smoke ventilation + enclosed prep area |
Open cooking is not allowed |
Central or Cloud Kitchen |
Centralized storage and cooling systems |
Requires a special license |
Diamond Glare offers tailored kitchen designs for each activity type, with equipment approved by the Municipality and the Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA)
Basic Requirements for Opening a Restaurant in Saudi Arabia
According to municipal guidelines, the following conditions must be met
1. Location and Space
The area must not be less than 50 m² for small restaurants and 100 m² for commercial restaurants
2. Interior Layout
Clear separation between cooking, preparation, serving, and waste areas
3. Ventilation and Lighting
Installation of exhaust fans and chimneys compliant with municipal standards
4. Sanitary Facilities
Clean, gender-separated restrooms and a secure drainage system
5. Signage
Must comply with authorized dimensions and placement approved by the Municipality
Health & Safety Regulations in Restaurants
Key health and public safety requirements for opening a restaurant include
Use of stainless steel equipment to avoid rust
Staff must wear sanitary uniforms, gloves, and hair covers
Installation of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors
Daily sanitary disposal of waste
Industrial ventilation systems to ensure clean kitchen air
Civil Defense Requirements Within Municipality Guidelines
As part of the restaurant licensing process, approval from Civil Defense is mandatory and includes
Installation of fire detection and alarm systems
Availability of fire extinguishers suitable for the business type
Use of gas pipes that meet safety standards
Provision of a clearly marked and easily accessible emergency exit
Cost of Equipping a Restaurant According to Municipal Standards
One of the most common questions is
"How much does it cost to equip a restaurant in compliance with municipal regulations?"
Diamond Glare offers setup packages designed for small and medium-sized projects, fully compliant with all municipality requirements
Steps to Obtain a Restaurant License
Visit the Balady online platform
Fill out the license application and select your business activity
Attach required documents (Commercial Registration, ID, lease agreement)
Undergo a field inspection by the Municipality
Receive your license after final approval
Regular Inspections and License Renewal
After the restaurant opens, the Municipality conducts regular inspections to ensure continued compliance with health and environmental standards.
The license must be renewed annually through the
Balady
platform
Roles of Government Agencies in Restaurant Licensing
Authority |
Primary Role |
Type of Requirements |
Municipality |
Site and design approval |
Space, facilities, ventilation |
Food & Drug Authority (SFDA) |
Food and equipment safety |
Hygiene and sanitation standards |
Civil Defense |
Fire and safety regulations |
Fire and gas systems |