Saudi Arabia has issued new public facility naming regulations that prohibit Sharia-violating names and introduce strict governance standards for government-owned properties, according to a Cabinet decision published in the Umm Al-Qura Gazette. The move aims to protect Islamic values, strengthen national identity, and modernize administrative procedures across the Kingdom.
Scope of the New Saudi Naming Regulations
The newly approved rules, officially titled “Rules and Standards for Naming Public Facilities”, will take effect 120 days after publication and apply to all publicly owned assets. These include municipal buildings, schools, universities, hospitals, mosques, cultural centers, sports complexes, transport facilities, and other government-run properties.
Each government entity must create its own executive bylaws to regulate the naming process, covering organizational, technical, procedural, and governance requirements.
Ban on Sharia-Violating and Politically Sensitive Names
The regulations strictly ban any name that contradicts Islamic Sharia. They also prohibit naming public facilities after Kings of Saudi Arabia, Crown Princes, or leaders of friendly or allied states without prior approval from the King.
This ensures that facility names remain respectful, religiously compliant, and politically appropriate.
Restricted Use of the Names of Allah
To prevent misuse, the rules allow only seven of the Names of Allah to be used for public facilities:
- Al-Salam
- Al-Adl
- Al-Awwal
- Al-Nur
- Al-Haqq
- Al-Shahid
- Al-Malik
All other divine names are prohibited under the new framework.
Naming Facilities After Individuals
When naming a facility after a person, authorities must verify the individual’s integrity, intellectual orientation, and criminal or security record in coordination with relevant agencies. The selected name must also match the person’s social and national standing.
Central Oversight and National Naming Database
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing will issue official naming categories after coordination with concerned bodies. Every government entity must follow these categories and maintain a comprehensive database of public facility names under its jurisdiction.
These records must be updated regularly and shared annually with the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information to ensure nationwide consistency.
Use of Numbers in Facility Names
The new Saudi Arabia naming system also allows public facilities to be identified by numbers, either independently or alongside approved names, providing greater flexibility in classification.
Part of Saudi Arabia’s Administrative Modernization
The updated framework repeals earlier Cabinet provisions related to naming streets and squares and replaces any conflicting regulations. This reform is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to modernize public administration, standardize naming practices, and ensure alignment with Islamic principles and national identity.
Through these new Saudi public facility naming rules, the Kingdom aims to improve transparency, governance, and religious compliance across all government-owned institutions.
