Saudi Arabia has introduced a comprehensive new set of regulations to govern how public facilities across the Kingdom are named. The framework, recently approved by the Saudi Cabinet and published in the official Umm Al-Qura Gazette, seeks to standardise naming practices, enhance administrative control, and ensure all names align with Islamic values. These rules are scheduled to become effective 120 days after their official publication and will apply to all publicly owned assets nationwide.
What Constitutes a Public Facility and Who is Responsible?
The scope of the new Saudi naming regulations is extensive. As per reports, public facilities include municipal buildings, schools, universities, cultural centres, sports stadiums, religious sites, hospitals, transport hubs, and all other government-owned properties. The responsibility for naming each facility lies with the specific government entity that has jurisdiction over it. However, all entities must operate within this new unified framework and adhere to relevant laws.
To put this system into practice, each government body is required to draft its own executive bylaws. These internal documents will detail the organisational, technical, and procedural steps needed, while also establishing governance mechanisms to oversee the naming process.
Strict Prohibitions and Religious Guidelines in Naming
The regulations lay down clear restrictions. Crucially, public facilities cannot be named after Kings of Saudi Arabia, Crown Princes, or leaders of allied nations without obtaining direct approval from the King. Any name that conflicts with Islamic Sharia is strictly forbidden. The rules also place specific limits on using the Names of God (Asma ul-Husna). Only seven such names are permitted for public facilities: Al-Salam, Al-Adl, Al-Awwal, Al-Nur, Al-Haqq, Al-Shahid, and Al-Malik.
When considering naming a facility after an individual, authorities must conduct a thorough verification of the person's character. This involves checking their intellectual background, criminal record, and security status in coordination with the concerned agencies. The selected name must be a fitting reflection of the individual's standing and reputation in society.
Approval Process and Maintaining Central Records
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing will be tasked with issuing official naming categories after consulting with other authorities. All government entities must comply with these classifications. The final approval for any facility name rests with the head of the respective entity, though this authority can be delegated if necessary.
The framework also allows for the use of numerical designations, either alone or combined with names, providing flexibility. To ensure coordination and avoid duplication, every entity must maintain a detailed database of all public facility names under its control. These records must be updated regularly and shared annually with the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information.
This new framework replaces all previous rules concerning the naming of streets and squares and supersedes any older regulations that contradict it. The move is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to modernise administrative systems, standardise public nomenclature, and reinforce alignment with religious principles, governance needs, and national identity. By setting these clear guidelines, the Kingdom aims to create a unified, transparent, and culturally consistent approach to naming that reflects its core values and administrative standards.
