In a groundbreaking move, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing in Saudi Arabia has unveiled comprehensive terms and conditions for operating laundries and furnishing shops. These guidelines, meticulously crafted, aim to elevate technical standards in alignment with the Saudi Building Code while providing a conducive environment for potential investors in the sector.
The emphasis lies on fostering a well-organized commercial process, curbing visual distortions, safeguarding public health, and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Among the proposed conditions are mandatory licenses from the Civil Defense, submission of a valid commercial register, and the need for a license for transportation in case of a delivery laundry service.
Architectural requisites have also been intricately woven into the guidelines, specifying the allocation of space for customers to change clothes, provision of facilities like toilets, hand sinks, and even a prayer room. The meticulous attention extends to the reception area, mandating a minimum size and ensuring a specific distance between the cashier and the entrance. The guidelines further dictate the discreet disposal of hot air from washing machines and prevention of visible steam resulting from ironing operations.
Operational requirements form a crucial part of the unveiled conditions, necessitating a municipal license prior to commencing operations and strictly prohibiting any additional activities beyond the scope of the license. Utilization of public sidewalks without proper authorization is strictly forbidden, ensuring the seamless integration of laundries into their surroundings.
The guidelines extend to the aesthetic aspects of the laundry, barring any stickers on the facade except for a unified QR code and government-agency-issued instructions. Prohibitions on warning signs, parking hindrances, and unauthorized storage of unrelated materials within the laundry space underscore the commitment to maintaining a clean and orderly commercial landscape.
These revolutionary guidelines not only promise to elevate technical standards but also set a benchmark for an industry that plays a vital role in everyday life. The Saudi Ministry’s unwavering commitment to innovation and public welfare is evident in this visionary move towards transforming laundry operations.
