The regulations and standards we work to

Saudi regulations first, then the international standards that Saudi codes and hotel specifications refer to. For each one: what it covers, when it applies in a hotel, and where it sits in our method. Hospital and clinic references are grouped under Healthcare.

These are documents we work to. We don't claim certificates or approvals against them: approvals come from the authorities that issue them.

Code sheets Edition confirmed at survey Reference R0

A · Saudi regulations

The local framework on a hotel job

Who sets each requirement, when it comes into play in a hotel, and what we do about it. Approvals stay with the authorities: Civil Defense approvals come from Civil Defense, permits from the Amanah or municipality, and licences from the ministry. CT numbers refer to documents in our register.

A.01

Saudi Building Code (SBC)

National Committee for the Saudi Building Code

In the library: Building & permits
What it covers
The national building code, published in numbered parts and enforced by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing and the municipalities. Under SBC 201, hotels are classified R-1 (long-stay serviced apartments may be R-2).
When it applies on a hotel project
Any alteration, replacement or change of use in the hotel, and throughout the works, because exits, fire separations and protection must stay in service. Which parts apply depends on the systems the work touches. Some SBC 801 requirements apply to existing buildings even when no work is planned.
How we apply it
At survey we list the parts that apply to the scope and the edition in force when the permit is applied for. Shop drawings and submittals are checked against those parts before anything is ordered, and the same parts become the test criteria at commissioning.
Saudi Building Code parts that apply to hotel works
PartTitleOn a hotel job
SBC 201The Saudi General Building CodeOccupancy (hotels R-1; long-stay R-2), egress, fire separations, high-rise provisions, smoke control and smokeproof stairs, sound insulation, exterior walls, accessibility (accessible guest rooms and routes), change of use
SBC 301 · 304 · 306Saudi Code for Structural Design Loads, Seismic, and Wind; The Saudi Code for Concrete Structures; The Saudi Code for Steel StructuresNew roof plant loads, slab openings and core drilling for risers, checked by the structural engineer
SBC 401The Saudi Electrical CodeBoards, cabling, protection and earthing
SBC 501The Saudi Mechanical CodeAir conditioning, ventilation and kitchen exhaust
SBC 601The Saudi Code for Energy Conservation – Nonresidential BuildingEfficiency of plant, lighting and envelope. A hotel is not a residential building in the energy-code split, so we work to SBC 601 for the hotel and check SBC 602 only for separate staff housing; the code check records it
SBC 701The Saudi Plumbing CodeWater supply, hot water and drainage
SBC 702The Saudi Private Sewage CodeSites not on a public sewer
SBC 801The Saudi Fire Protection CodeFire systems, their inspection, testing and maintenance; fire safety during construction and hot work; and the minimum requirements that apply to existing buildings even when no work is planned
SBC 901The Saudi Existing Building CodeRepairs, alterations and change of occupancy. A conversion to hotel use is a change of occupancy to R-1
SBC 1001Saudi Green Building CodeEnergy, water efficiency and materials, where the permit, the authority or the owner's brief invokes it
SBC 1201Saudi Fuel Gas CodeKitchen and laundry gas
SBC 1401The Saudi Swimming Pool and Spa CodePools, spas and their plant
SBC 201 · 901 · 801Construction safeguardsKeeping exits, fire separations and protection in service while the hotel trades. The SBC 801 chapters on construction and on hot work come before NFPA 241 and NFPA 51B

Code numbers and titles checked against sbc.gov.sa in November 2026.

A.02

Civil Defense and the Salamah portal

General Directorate of Civil Defense

In the library: Fire & life safety
What it covers
Fire prevention and protection requirements for buildings, the guideline for submitting fire protection drawings, conformity reports, and the Salamah safety licence that establishments obtain through the Salamah portal.
When it applies on a hotel project
Whenever works touch fire alarm, sprinklers, fire pumps, smoke control, fire doors or escape routes, and when the hotel's Salamah safety licence is renewed.
How we apply it
Fire and life safety (FLS) drawings are prepared and stamped by an engineering office licensed and accredited with Civil Defense for fire protection drawings, and approved by Civil Defense, directly or through a Civil Defense-qualified engineering office, before installation. Fire systems are installed only by Civil Defense-licensed contractors. A system is taken out of service only under a written impairment with a fire watch, following the SBC 801 requirements for systems out of service and for construction and hot work. Every planned impairment is notified in advance to the hotel's impairment coordinator, the brand FLS contact, the alarm receiving centre and the property insurer as the policy requires; Civil Defense is notified as SBC 801 requires. We prepare the test records and the FLS inspection pack (CT-12) that the facility needs for the inspection and its Salamah safety licence.
A.03

Hotel licensing and star category

Ministry of Tourism

In the library: Hospitality
What it covers
Licensing of hotels and other hospitality facilities under the Tourism Law and the hospitality facilities regulations, and their classification into a star category against mandatory and scored criteria.
When it applies on a hotel project
Licence renewal, a conversion, a change of star category or room count, and works on items that are assessed at classification.
How we apply it
We read the criteria for your target star category at survey and list the technical items in the gap report (CT-03), so they are closed before the ministry's visit, not after it. The licence and star category are the ministry's decision.
A.04

Municipal permits through Balady

The Amanah or municipality; Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH)

In the library: Building & permits
What it covers
Building permits, restoration permits, permit amendments and completion certificates. The Amanah or municipality issues them through the Balady platform, on an application by a licensed engineering office. The ministry also runs the Mostadam rating system.
When it applies on a hotel project
Structural changes, additions, change of use and other works for which the municipality requires a permit.
How we apply it
The code check records whether the scope needs a new permit, an amendment to the existing one or a restoration permit. Where it does, the licensed engineering office applies through Balady, and the work that depends on it does not start until it is issued.
A.05

Electricity supply and connection

Saudi Electricity Company (SEC); Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority (SERA)

In the library: Electrical
What it covers
The supply connection, contracted capacity and load-increase applications with the distribution company, under the Saudi Arabian Distribution Code, the regulator's electricity service provision rules and SEC's connection procedures. The Distribution Code is prepared by the distribution licensee and approved by the regulator, the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority (SERA), previously ECRA and then WERA.
When it applies on a hotel project
When new loads such as kitchens, EV chargers or chillers would take the hotel past its contracted capacity, or when the intake, transformer or main switchboard changes.
How we apply it
The load survey uses 12 months of electricity bills and on-site logging. If an application is needed we prepare it early, so its lead time is in the programme from the start, and we coordinate work at the intake with the distribution company.
A.06

Product technical regulations

Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO)

In the library: Energy
What it covers
Technical regulations and standards for products, including energy-efficiency requirements for air conditioners (SASO 2663 up to 65,000 Btu/h, SASO 2874 above it), lighting products (SASO 2870, SASO 2902) and electric motors (SASO 2893).
When it applies on a hotel project
Any regulated equipment we supply or replace.
How we apply it
Each submittal (CT-05) shows the conformity documents and, for regulated products, the efficiency rating. Regulated equipment is not ordered without them.
A.07

Energy efficiency and measured savings

Saudi Energy Efficiency Center (SEEC)

In the library: Energy
What it covers
The national body for energy efficiency across sectors, including buildings, and the Saudi Energy Efficiency Program.
When it applies on a hotel project
Energy retrofits, and projects where the owner sets energy targets.
How we apply it
Energy measures are verified to IPMVP (the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol): a written measurement and verification (M&V) plan sets the boundary, option, baseline period and adjustments before work starts. We use Option B for plant and Option C for whole-building bills. Results are compared against a baseline adjusted for cooling degree-days and occupied room-nights (ASHRAE Guideline 14), not against catalogue figures.
A.08

Mostadam green building rating

Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH)

In the library: Energy
What it covers
The national green building rating, with a Design & Construction track and an Operations track, in five levels from Green to Diamond. For a hotel that stays open, Operations is the usual route.
When it applies on a hotel project
Only when the owner, a lender or a brand targets a rating.
How we apply it
We do not assess or award ratings. Where you target one, we give the assessor the evidence from our scope: equipment data, commissioning records and metering.
A.09

Water and sewer connections

National Water Company (NWC)

In the library: Plumbing & water
What it covers
Water and sewer connections, network design review and connection fees in its service areas.
When it applies on a hotel project
New or enlarged connections, for example when rooms, pools or a laundry are added.
How we apply it
Water demand is estimated at survey. Where a new or larger connection is needed, its application and lead time go into the programme, and works at the connection are coordinated with the company.
A.10

Occupational safety and health

Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD); National Council for Occupational Safety and Health

In the library: Health & safety
What it covers
Labor Law Part VIII (occupational safety and health), as amended, and the ministerial occupational safety and health (OSH) rules made under it.
When it applies on a hotel project
Every working day on site, for our staff and every crew we supervise.
How we apply it
A written safety plan for each job, daily permits to work, electrical isolations locked with a multi-lock hasp, hot-work permits with a fire watch under the SBC 801 hot-work requirements, and the right protective equipment for each task.
A.11

Engineering practice and licensed offices

Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE)

In the library: Quality & information
What it covers
Under the Engineering Professions Practice Law, every practising engineer and technician needs professional accreditation from the Council; engineering offices and companies are licensed under the same law.
When it applies on a hotel project
Every engineer and technician working on the project, ours and our specialists', and any design, stamp or engineering sign-off.
How we apply it
Designs that need a stamp are prepared and stamped by a licensed engineering office: your consultant, or an office we appoint where the contract puts design in our scope. The contract says which design is whose.
A.12

Refrigerants: ozone-depleting substances and HFCs

National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC); regulation issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)

In the library: Environment
What it covers
The Executive Regulation for Ozone-Depleting Substances and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), issued by MEWA and enforced by NCEC. It covers HFC refrigerants as well as ozone-depleting ones such as R-22: permits for activities involving controlled substances, and no disposal of controlled substances or equipment without the Center's prior approval.
When it applies on a hotel project
Replacing chillers, split units or minibars, recovering refrigerant, and removing old equipment.
How we apply it
Every unit in scope is registered with its refrigerant, charge, global warming potential (GWP) and age, and R-22 equipment is flagged for a planned exit. Where we propose a replacement, lower-GWP refrigerants are listed as options with their safety class. Refrigerant is recovered before equipment is opened or removed, recorded by type and quantity, and handed only to permitted parties for reclaim. Nothing is vented.
A.13

Construction and hazardous waste

National Center for Waste Management (MWAN)

In the library: Environment
What it covers
The Waste Management Law (Royal Decree M/3 of 5/1/1443 AH) and its implementing regulation, which include construction, demolition, maintenance and renovation waste: waste is segregated at source, moved only by licensed carriers to licensed facilities, and hazardous waste is kept separate.
When it applies on a hotel project
Every strip-out and renovation: ceilings, finishes, pipework and cable, old equipment, and hazardous items such as fluorescent lamps, batteries, oils and any asbestos found.
How we apply it
Waste is segregated at the floor, removed only by licensed carriers, and each load is logged by type, quantity, carrier and destination, so the hotel has a record of where its waste went.
A.14

Health facility licensing and accreditation

Ministry of Health · Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI)

In the library: Healthcare
What it covers
The Ministry of Health licenses health facilities; private facilities are licensed under the Law of Private Health Institutions and its implementing regulation, and the licensing route includes submitting the facility's design to the ministry. CBAHI, a government body under the Saudi Health Council, sets national accreditation standards for healthcare facilities, surveys against them and grants accreditation.
When it applies on a hospital project
Works that change a licensed clinical area, its layout or its engineering services, and the run-up to an accreditation survey, where the facility's management and safety of its building systems is assessed.
How we apply it
At survey we ask the hospital which licence conditions and accreditation standards bear on the scope, and the design that needs ministry review comes from a licensed engineering office. We prepare the engineering evidence the facility management team presents: test records, maintenance history and closed defects. Licences come from the ministry and accreditation from CBAHI; we don't claim or provide either.

B · Standards library

Codes and standards referenced on Saudi hotel and hospital mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) work

Number, title, scope and what it is used for in a hotel. Standards tagged "Referenced by SBC 801" are adopted by reference through the Saudi codes, so they apply wherever the code calls them up. Others apply where your specification, brand standard or insurer names them.

Fire & life safety

  • SBC 801SBC National Committee

    The Saudi Fire Protection Code

    Fire protection systems and fire safety in buildings, including the inspection, testing and maintenance of those systems; fire safety during construction and demolition and during hot work; and the minimum requirements that apply to existing buildings even when no work is planned. Many NFPA standards below are adopted by reference through it.

    In a hotel: Fire alarm, sprinklers, fire pumps and smoke control; impairments, fire watch and hot work under its construction and hot-work chapters, ahead of NFPA 241 and 51B; and the existing-building minimums for a hotel built before the SBC.

    Fire & life safetySaudi

  • Civil DefenseGeneral Directorate of Civil Defense

    Fire prevention and protection requirements

    Civil Defense requirements and guidelines for submitting fire prevention and protection drawings and conformity reports, and the Salamah safety licence issued through the Salamah portal.

    In a hotel: Fire and life safety approvals before installation, and the inspection pack after testing.

    Fire & life safetySaudi

  • NFPA 10NFPA

    Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

    Selection, installation, inspection and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.

    In a hotel: Kitchens, plant rooms, back-of-house and the work areas behind the hoarding.

    Fire & life safetyReferenced by SBC 801International

  • NFPA 13NFPA

    Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

    Design and installation of automatic sprinkler systems.

    In a hotel: Sprinkler changes when ceilings, room layouts or uses change.

    Fire & life safetyReferenced by SBC 801International

  • NFPA 14NFPA

    Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems

    Design and installation of standpipe and hose systems.

    In a hotel: Stair and riser standpipes, landing valves and hose reels.

    Fire & life safetyReferenced by SBC 801International

  • NFPA 20NFPA

    Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection

    Selection and installation of fire pumps, drivers and controllers.

    In a hotel: Fire pump sets, jockey pumps and controllers when replaced or upgraded.

    Fire & life safetyReferenced by SBC 801International

  • NFPA 25NFPA

    Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems

    Routine inspection, testing and maintenance of sprinkler, standpipe and fire pump systems, and the handling of impairments.

    In a hotel: Planned maintenance of water-based fire systems, and controlled impairments during works. Every planned impairment is notified in advance to the hotel's impairment coordinator, the brand FLS contact, the alarm receiving centre and the property insurer as the policy requires; Civil Defense is notified as SBC 801 requires.

    Fire & life safetyReferenced by SBC 801International

  • NFPA 72NFPA

    National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

    Application, installation, performance, inspection, testing and maintenance of fire alarm systems.

    In a hotel: Detection and alarm changes in rooms and corridors, and cause-and-effect testing.

    Fire & life safetyReferenced by SBC 801International

  • NFPA 80NFPA

    Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives

    Installation, inspection and maintenance of fire doors and other opening protectives.

    In a hotel: Guest-room entrance doors, stair doors and shaft access panels.

    Fire & life safetyReferenced by SBC 801International

  • NFPA 92NFPA

    Standard for Smoke Control Systems

    Design, installation and testing of smoke control systems: smoke containment, such as stair and lift-shaft pressurisation, and smoke management in large-volume spaces such as atria.

    In a hotel: Stair pressurisation, and smoke management in atria and ballroom-height spaces. Corridor smoke extract follows the approved design under the SBC.

    Fire & life safetyHVACReferenced by SBC 801International

  • NFPA 96NFPA

    Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations

    Kitchen hoods, grease ducts, exhaust fans and their fire protection.

    In a hotel: Hotel kitchen and restaurant refits.

    Fire & life safetyHVACReferenced by SBC 801International

  • NFPA 101NFPA

    Life Safety Code

    Building design, construction and operation for the protection of occupants, centred on safe egress.

    In a hotel: Not adopted in the Kingdom; SBC 201 and 801 govern egress. Used where a brand fire and life safety standard requires it (Chapters 28 and 29, new and existing hotels).

    Fire & life safetyBuilding & permitsInternational

  • NFPA 110NFPA

    Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems

    Performance, installation and testing of emergency and standby power systems.

    In a hotel: Generator sets, transfer switches and their routine testing.

    Fire & life safetyElectricalReferenced by SBC 801International

  • NFPA 241NFPA

    Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations

    Fire safety during construction, alteration and demolition work.

    In a hotel: Fire safety on the works side of the hoarding while the rest of the hotel trades.

    Fire & life safetyHealth & safetyInternational

  • NFPA 51BNFPA

    Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work

    Fire prevention during welding, cutting and other hot work.

    In a hotel: Hot-work permits and fire watch.

    Fire & life safetyHealth & safetyInternational

  • NFPA 2001NFPA

    Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems

    Design, installation and maintenance of clean agent extinguishing systems.

    In a hotel: Server, telecom and switch rooms.

    Fire & life safetyReferenced by SBC 801International

HVAC

  • SBC 501SBC National Committee

    The Saudi Mechanical Code

    Ventilation, air conditioning, exhaust and refrigeration systems.

    In a hotel: Chillers, air handling units, fan coils, fresh air, and kitchen and toilet extract.

    HVACSaudi

  • ASHRAE 62.1ASHRAE

    Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

    Minimum ventilation rates and other measures for acceptable indoor air quality.

    In a hotel: Fresh air rates for rooms, corridors, ballrooms and back-of-house.

    HVACInternational

  • ASHRAE 55ASHRAE

    Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy

    Combinations of indoor thermal and personal factors that most occupants find acceptable.

    In a hotel: Design conditions for rooms and public areas, and investigating comfort complaints.

    HVACInternational

  • ASHRAE 15ASHRAE

    Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems

    Safe design, construction, installation and operation of refrigeration systems.

    In a hotel: Chiller plant rooms and rooftop chillers: refrigerant detection, ventilation and relief, and the extra rules for A2L (lower-flammability) refrigerants in replacement equipment.

    HVACHealth & safetyInternational

  • ASHRAE 34ASHRAE

    Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants

    Reference numbers, safety classifications and concentration limits for refrigerants.

    In a hotel: Checking the safety class of the refrigerant in replacement equipment.

    HVACInternational

  • CIBSE Guide ACIBSE

    Environmental design

    Design data and criteria for building services and the internal environment.

    In a hotel: Design criteria where the specification follows UK practice.

    HVACInternational

  • CIBSE Guide BCIBSE

    Heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration

    Good practice in the design of HVAC and refrigeration systems.

    In a hotel: System design references where the specification follows UK practice.

    HVACInternational

  • SMACNASMACNA

    HVAC Duct Construction Standards – Metal and Flexible

    Construction, sealing, reinforcement and support of ductwork.

    In a hotel: New and replacement ductwork, including duct sealing for fresh air and extract.

    HVACInternational

Electrical

  • SBC 401SBC National Committee

    The Saudi Electrical Code

    Electrical installations in buildings: distribution, wiring, protection and earthing.

    In a hotel: Main and floor boards, sub-mains, final circuits and earthing when they are replaced or extended.

    ElectricalSaudi

  • Distribution CodeSERA

    Saudi Arabian Distribution Code

    Rules for connecting to and operating on the electricity distribution network, prepared by the distribution licensee and approved by the regulator.

    In a hotel: Supply upgrades, new transformers and load-increase applications.

    ElectricalSaudi

  • IEC 60364IEC

    Low-voltage electrical installations

    Design, erection and verification of low-voltage installations in buildings.

    In a hotel: Protection, cable selection and verification testing alongside SBC 401.

    ElectricalInternational

  • IEC 61439IEC

    Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies

    Construction, characteristics and design verification of low-voltage switchboards.

    In a hotel: Main and sub-main switchboards specified as design-verified assemblies.

    ElectricalInternational

  • IEC 62305IEC

    Protection against lightning

    Lightning protection of structures, people and electrical and electronic systems.

    In a hotel: New roof plant bonded into the lightning protection system, and surge protection.

    ElectricalInternational

  • BS 7671BSI / IET

    Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations)

    The UK wiring regulations, structured on IEC 60364.

    In a hotel: Only where a consultant's specification names it.

    ElectricalInternational

Plumbing & water

  • SBC 701SBC National Committee

    The Saudi Plumbing Code

    Water supply and distribution, drainage, vents, fixtures and water heaters.

    In a hotel: Domestic water risers, hot water plant, bathroom refurbishments and drainage replacement.

    Plumbing & waterSaudi

  • SBC 702SBC National Committee

    The Saudi Private Sewage Code

    On-site sewage disposal where a building is not on a public sewer.

    In a hotel: Resorts and remote sites with their own treatment or holding systems.

    Plumbing & waterSaudi

  • SBC 1201SBC National Committee

    Saudi Fuel Gas Code

    Fuel gas piping, gas appliances and the venting of their combustion products.

    In a hotel: Kitchens, laundry and any gas-fired water heating.

    Plumbing & waterHVACSaudi

  • SBC 1401SBC National Committee

    The Saudi Swimming Pool and Spa Code

    Design, construction and equipment of swimming pools and spas.

    In a hotel: Pool plant rooms, filtration and circulation, and spa refurbishments.

    Plumbing & waterSaudi

  • NWCNWC

    Water and sewer connection requirements

    Connection applications, network design review and connection fees in the National Water Company's service areas.

    In a hotel: New or enlarged connections when rooms, pools or a laundry are added.

    Plumbing & waterSaudi

  • ASHRAE 188ASHRAE

    Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems

    Water management programmes for potable and non-potable building water systems, new and existing.

    In a hotel: Hot water systems, cooling towers, pools and spas; and recommissioning water systems after a floor has been out of use.

    Plumbing & waterHVACInternational

  • ASHRAE Guideline 12ASHRAE

    Managing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems

    Practical guidance supporting ASHRAE 188.

    In a hotel: Flushing, temperature and monitoring routines in the maintenance plan.

    Plumbing & waterHVACInternational

  • IPCICC

    International Plumbing Code

    Model code for plumbing systems: water supply, drainage, venting and fixtures.

    In a hotel: Where a specification references it alongside SBC 701.

    Plumbing & waterInternational

  • UPCIAPMO

    Uniform Plumbing Code

    Model code for the installation and inspection of plumbing systems.

    In a hotel: Where a specification references it alongside SBC 701.

    Plumbing & waterInternational

  • WHO GDWQWHO

    Guidelines for drinking-water quality

    Health-based guidance on the quality and safety of drinking water.

    In a hotel: Water quality sampling after tank cleaning or pipework replacement, before rooms reopen.

    Plumbing & waterInternational

Energy

  • SBC 601SBC National Committee

    The Saudi Code for Energy Conservation – Nonresidential Building

    Minimum energy performance for the building envelope, air conditioning, water heating, power and lighting.

    In a hotel: Efficiency of replacement plant and lighting. A hotel (R-1) is not a residential building in the energy-code split, so we work to SBC 601 for the hotel; SBC 602 may apply to separate staff housing. Any plant we replace is checked against the SBC 601 minimum at submittal.

    EnergyHVACSaudi

  • SBC 1001SBC National Committee

    Saudi Green Building Code

    Sustainability requirements for buildings and their sites, including energy, water efficiency and materials.

    In a hotel: Applied where the permit, the authority or the owner's brief invokes it; confirmed at the code check.

    EnergyPlumbing & waterBuilding & permitsEnvironmentSaudi

  • SASO 2663SASO

    Small air conditioners: minimum energy performance and labelling

    Minimum efficiency and energy labelling for air conditioners up to 65,000 Btu/h (19 kW).

    In a hotel: Split and packaged units in guest rooms, offices and back-of-house.

    EnergyHVACSaudi

  • SASO 2874SASO

    Large capacity air conditioners – performance requirement and methods of testing

    Minimum efficiency and test methods for air conditioners with a cooling capacity above 65,000 Btu/h (19 kW), including computer-room units.

    In a hotel: Larger packaged units on the roof and in plant rooms; whether a given unit is covered is checked at submittal.

    EnergyHVACSaudi

  • SASO 2870 · 2902SASO

    Lighting products, parts one and two

    Energy efficiency, functionality and labelling requirements for lighting products.

    In a hotel: Lamps and luminaires in guest-room and public-area relighting.

    EnergyElectricalSaudi

  • SASO 2893SASO

    Rotating electrical machines

    Energy efficiency requirements for electric motors.

    In a hotel: Pump and fan motors replaced in plant rooms.

    EnergyElectricalSaudi

  • MostadamMOMAH

    Mostadam sustainable building rating

    The national green building rating system, with a Design & Construction track and an Operations track, rated in five levels from Green to Diamond. Operations is the usual route for a hotel that stays open.

    In a hotel: Only where the owner targets a rating. We supply evidence from our scope; the assessor rates.

    EnergyPlumbing & waterBuilding & permitsEnvironmentSaudi

  • ASHRAE 90.1ASHRAE

    Energy Standard for Sites and Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings

    Minimum energy-efficiency requirements for building design and systems.

    In a hotel: Where a specification or brand standard asks for it alongside SBC 601.

    EnergyHVACInternational

  • ISO 50001ISO

    Energy management systems — Requirements with guidance for use

    Requirements for an organisation's energy management system.

    In a hotel: Structuring energy baselines and measurement for owners who run an energy management system.

    EnergyQuality & informationInternational

  • IPMVPEVO

    International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol

    The Efficiency Valuation Organization's framework for measuring and verifying energy savings, with four options (A to D) and a written measurement and verification (M&V) plan.

    In a hotel: Option B for a chiller plant or other retrofitted system, Option C for whole-building electricity bills. Boundary, option, baseline period and adjustments are agreed before work starts.

    EnergyInternational

  • ASHRAE Guideline 14ASHRAE

    Measurement of Energy, Demand, and Water Savings

    Methods for calculating energy, demand and water savings, including adjusted baselines and their uncertainty.

    In a hotel: Baselines adjusted for cooling degree-days and occupied room-nights, so March and July can be compared fairly.

    EnergyInternational

  • ASHRAE Guideline 22ASHRAE

    Instrumentation for Monitoring Central Chilled-Water Plant Efficiency

    Recommended instruments, accuracy and calculations for measuring chilled-water plant load, energy use and efficiency.

    In a hotel: Logging chiller-only and whole-plant efficiency, in kilowatts per ton of refrigeration (kW/TR), separately and with known accuracy.

    EnergyHVACInternational

  • ASHRAE 211ASHRAE / ACCA

    Standard for Commercial Building Energy Audits

    Procedures for energy audits of commercial buildings at three levels of depth.

    In a hotel: Scoping an energy audit of the hotel before measures are chosen and priced.

    EnergyInternational

  • AHRI 550/590AHRI

    Performance Rating of Water-Chilling and Heat Pump Water-Heating Packages Using the Vapor Compression Cycle

    Standard rating conditions and test methods for water chillers, including full-load and part-load (IPLV) ratings.

    In a hotel: New chillers are checked against the SBC 601 minimum at these rating conditions at submittal. Field results are compared with the maker's rated curve at the logged ambient, not with the rating-condition figure.

    EnergyHVACInternational

  • ISO 50015ISO

    Energy management systems — Measurement and verification of energy performance of organizations — General principles and guidance

    General principles for measuring and verifying energy performance, usable on its own or with other protocols such as IPMVP.

    In a hotel: For owners who run an ISO 50001 energy management system and want M&V reported in its terms.

    EnergyQuality & informationInternational

Building & permits

  • SBC 201SBC National Committee

    The Saudi General Building Code

    Occupancy (hotels R-1; long-stay R-2), types of construction, egress, fire separations, high-rise provisions, smoke control and smokeproof stairs, sound insulation, exterior walls, accessibility and change of use.

    In a hotel: Escape routes, the fire-rated walls and shafts we open, and any change of use in a conversion.

    Building & permitsFire & life safetySaudi

  • SBC 901SBC National Committee

    The Saudi Existing Building Code

    Repairs, alterations, additions and change of occupancy in existing buildings.

    In a hotel: The starting point for renovating an operating hotel: the extent of the alteration sets what has to be brought up to current requirements. A conversion to hotel use is a change of occupancy to R-1.

    Building & permitsSaudi

  • SBC 201SBC National Committee

    Accessibility chapter of the Saudi General Building Code

    Accessible routes, entrances, facilities and the number of accessible guest rooms.

    In a hotel: Accessible rooms when the room count changes or a building is converted, and an accessible route kept open during works. The ministry also looks at accessibility at classification.

    Building & permitsHospitalitySaudi

  • SBC 301 · 304 · 306SBC National Committee

    Saudi Code for Structural Design Loads, Seismic, and Wind; The Saudi Code for Concrete Structures; The Saudi Code for Steel Structures

    Design loads, and the design of concrete and steel structures.

    In a hotel: New roof plant loads, plant supports, slab openings and core drilling for risers, checked by the structural engineer before anything is cut.

    Building & permitsSaudi

Lifts & escalators

  • EN 81-20CEN

    Lifts – Part 20: Passenger and goods passenger lifts

    Safety rules for the construction and installation of passenger and goods passenger lifts.

    In a hotel: Lift replacement and full modernisation.

    Lifts & escalatorsInternational

  • EN 81-50CEN

    Lifts – Part 50: Design rules, calculations, examinations and tests of lift components

    Design rules, calculations and tests for lift components, used with EN 81-20.

    In a hotel: Component submittals in a lift modernisation.

    Lifts & escalatorsInternational

  • EN 81-80CEN

    Lifts – Part 80: Rules for the improvement of safety of existing lifts

    A method for assessing existing passenger and goods passenger lifts and improving their safety.

    In a hotel: Assessing existing EN-type lifts in a condition survey and prioritising upgrades. It cannot be used to assess lifts built to ASME A17.1; those are assessed under ASME A17.3.

    Lifts & escalatorsInternational

  • ASME A17.1 / CSA B44ASME / CSA

    Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators

    Design, construction, installation, testing and maintenance of elevators and escalators, in North American practice.

    In a hotel: Lifts and escalators originally supplied to ASME, and their modernisation.

    Lifts & escalatorsInternational

  • ASME A17.3ASME

    Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators

    Minimum safety requirements for existing elevators and escalators.

    In a hotel: Assessing existing ASME-type lifts in a condition survey.

    Lifts & escalatorsInternational

  • EN 115-1CEN

    Safety of escalators and moving walks – Part 1: Construction and installation

    Safety rules for the construction and installation of escalators and moving walks.

    In a hotel: Escalators between lobby, podium and ballroom levels when replaced or modernised.

    Lifts & escalatorsInternational

  • EN 81-72CEN

    Lifts – Part 72: Firefighters lifts

    Additional requirements for passenger lifts that are also used by firefighters.

    In a hotel: Where a lift is designated for firefighting use, during modernisation.

    Fire & life safetyLifts & escalatorsInternational

  • EN 81-73CEN

    Lifts – Part 73: Behaviour of lifts in the event of fire

    How ordinary passenger lifts respond to a fire alarm signal.

    In a hotel: Lift recall interfaces with the fire alarm.

    Fire & life safetyLifts & escalatorsInternational

Health & safety

  • Labor Law, Part VIIIMHRSD

    Occupational safety and health provisions and ministerial OSH rules

    Labor Law Part VIII (occupational safety and health), as amended, and the ministerial OSH rules made under it.

    In a hotel: Every working day on site, for our staff and every crew we supervise.

    Health & safetySaudi

Environment

  • ODS & HFC regulationMEWA; enforced by NCEC

    Executive Regulation for Ozone-Depleting Substances and Hydrofluorocarbons

    Permits for activities involving controlled substances, and no disposal of controlled substances or equipment without the Center's prior approval.

    In a hotel: A refrigerant register for chillers, split units and minibars (refrigerant, charge, GWP, age), R-22 flagged for planned exit, and recovery for reclaim before equipment is removed.

    EnvironmentHVACSaudi

  • Waste Management LawMWAN

    Waste Management Law and its implementing regulation

    Royal Decree M/3 of 5/1/1443 AH. Covers construction, demolition, maintenance and renovation waste: segregation at source, licensed carriers and facilities, and separate handling of hazardous waste.

    In a hotel: Strip-out waste removed only by licensed carriers, each load logged by type, quantity, carrier and destination.

    EnvironmentHealth & safetySaudi

Quality & information management

  • Engineering practice lawSCE

    Engineering Professions Practice Law

    Every practising engineer and technician needs professional accreditation from the Saudi Council of Engineers; engineering offices and companies are licensed under the same law.

    In a hotel: Accreditation of every engineer and technician on the project, and which licensed engineering office designs, stamps and signs off.

    Quality & informationBuilding & permitsSaudi

  • ISO 9001ISO

    Quality management systems — Requirements

    Requirements for a quality management system.

    In a hotel: Our document control, nonconformity close-out and records follow its structure. Inspection and test plans (ITPs) are part of each project's quality plan; ISO 9001 does not prescribe them.

    Quality & informationInternational

  • ISO 10005ISO

    Quality management — Guidelines for quality plans

    Guidance on writing and using a quality plan for a specific project or contract.

    In a hotel: Each project's quality plan, with its inspection and test plans (ITPs) and hold points before ceilings close.

    Quality & informationInternational

  • ISO 14001ISO

    Environmental management systems — Requirements with guidance for use

    Requirements for an environmental management system.

    In a hotel: Waste segregation, refrigerant handling and dust and noise control are planned along its lines.

    Quality & informationEnvironmentInternational

  • ISO 45001ISO

    Occupational health and safety management systems — Requirements with guidance for use

    Requirements for an occupational health and safety management system.

    In a hotel: Our risk assessments, permits to work and incident reporting are aligned with it.

    Quality & informationHealth & safetyInternational

  • ISO 41001ISO

    Facility management — Management systems — Requirements with guidance for use

    Requirements for a facility management system, insourced or outsourced.

    In a hotel: Structuring maintenance contracts and reporting to the owner.

    Quality & informationInternational

  • ISO 19650ISO

    Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling

    A series of parts: Part 2 covers the delivery phase of assets, Part 3 the operational phase.

    In a hotel: Part 3 applies to an operating hotel: as-built and asset information handed over in the owner's format for operation. Part 2 applies to the works where the client runs a BIM process.

    Quality & informationInternational

  • ASHRAE Guideline 0ASHRAE

    The Commissioning Process

    A commissioning process that checks the building and its systems meet the owner's project requirements.

    In a hotel: Planning commissioning from design onwards, not just at the end.

    Quality & informationHVACInternational

  • CIBSE Commissioning CodesCIBSE

    Commissioning Codes A, B, C, L, M, R and W

    Procedures for commissioning air and water distribution, boilers, controls, lighting and refrigeration, under a management code.

    In a hotel: Air and water balancing procedures and their records.

    Quality & informationHVACInternational

Hospitality

  • Hospitality regulationsMinistry of Tourism

    Hospitality facilities regulations

    Licensing, classification and renewal for hotels and other hospitality facilities under the Tourism Law.

    In a hotel: Licence renewals, conversions, and changes to room count or star category.

    HospitalitySaudi

  • Classification criteriaMinistry of Tourism

    Hotel classification criteria

    Mandatory and scored criteria for each star category, including the requirement that the facility's licences and certificates are valid.

    In a hotel: Listing the technical items a target star category depends on before the classification visit.

    HospitalitySaudi

  • Brand standardsOperator

    Operator and brand technical standards

    Design and technical standards that hotel operators and brands issue to their properties.

    In a hotel: Applied together with SBC and Civil Defense requirements; where they differ, the more stringent governs. Where a brand requirement cannot be met, we prepare the waiver or variance case; the brand decides. Brand approvals come from the brand, not from us.

    HospitalityOperator / brand

Healthcare

  • Health facility licensingMinistry of Health

    Law of Private Health Institutions and its implementing regulation

    Licensing of private hospitals, clinics and medical centres by the Ministry of Health, including submission of the facility's design to the ministry as part of licensing.

    In a hospital: Works that change a licensed clinical area are checked with the hospital against its licence before design starts. The licence is the ministry's decision.

    HealthcareBuilding & permitsSaudi

  • CBAHISaudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions

    National accreditation standards for healthcare facilities

    Standards set by CBAHI, a government body under the Saudi Health Council, against which healthcare facilities are surveyed and accredited.

    In a hospital: Preparing the engineering evidence for the facility management and safety part of a survey. Accreditation is CBAHI's decision.

    HealthcareQuality & informationSaudi

  • SBC 201 · I-2SBC National Committee

    Institutional Group I-2 occupancy

    The occupancy group for buildings giving round-the-clock medical care to people who can't evacuate unaided, which includes hospitals. SBC 901 sets how alterations in I-2 buildings treat smoke compartments.

    In a hospital: Confirming the occupancy at survey, and keeping smoke compartments intact through the works because patients are protected in place.

    HealthcareBuilding & permitsSaudi

  • NFPA 99NFPA

    Health Care Facilities Code

    Risk-based requirements for health care facilities: electrical systems including the essential electrical system, medical gas and vacuum systems, plumbing, HVAC and related equipment.

    In a hospital: The life-safety, critical and equipment branches, generator and transfer-switch testing, and medical gas shutdown, testing and verification, where the design or specification names it.

    HealthcareElectricalInternational

  • ASHRAE/ASHE 170ASHRAE · ASHE

    Ventilation of Health Care Facilities

    Minimum ventilation requirements for health care spaces: air changes, pressure relationships, filtration, temperature and humidity, including ventilation during construction.

    In a hospital: Measuring and restoring the pressure, air changes and filtration of theatres, isolation rooms and ICUs before and after works.

    HealthcareHVACInternational

  • FGI GuidelinesFacility Guidelines Institute

    Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals

    Design and construction guidance for hospitals, including the infection control risk assessment (ICRA) and incorporating ASHRAE/ASHE 170 for ventilation.

    In a hospital: The basis for the ICRA and the containment measures before any works, where the hospital or its design follows FGI.

    HealthcareBuilding & permitsInternational

  • HTM 02-01NHS England (UK)

    Medical gas pipeline systems: Part A design, installation, validation and verification; Part B operational management

    Piped medical gases, medical and surgical air, medical vacuum and anaesthetic gas scavenging systems, and the permit-to-work controls for working on them.

    In a hospital: Medical gas shutdowns under a permit agreed with clinical engineering, and testing and certification before reconnection, where the hospital follows HTM practice.

    HealthcarePlumbing & waterInternational

  • ISO 7396-1ISO

    Medical gas pipeline systems – Part 1: Pipeline systems for compressed medical gases and vacuum

    Design, installation, function, performance, testing, commissioning and documentation of medical gas and vacuum pipelines, including supply, alarm systems and non-interchangeability between gases.

    In a hospital: Test and commissioning criteria for new or altered pipelines, where the specification names it.

    HealthcarePlumbing & waterInternational

  • HTM 03-01NHS England (UK)

    Specialised ventilation for healthcare premises

    Design (Part A) and operational management (Part B) of specialised ventilation, such as operating suites, with regular verification of critical systems.

    In a hospital: Verifying theatre and critical-area ventilation after works, where the hospital follows HTM practice.

    HealthcareHVACInternational

  • HTM 04-01NHS England (UK)

    Safe water in healthcare premises

    Control of Legionella and other waterborne risks in hot, cold and drinking water systems: design, installation and testing (Part A) and operational management (Part B).

    In a hospital: No dead legs left by the works, and flushing, temperatures and sampling to the hospital's water safety plan.

    HealthcarePlumbing & waterInternational

  • IEC 60364-7-710IEC

    Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 7-710: Requirements for special installations or locations – Medical locations

    Electrical installations in medical locations, for the safety of patients and medical staff. Medical electrical equipment itself is outside its scope.

    In a hospital: Supplies and earthing in theatres, ICUs and other medical locations, where the design follows IEC practice.

    HealthcareElectricalInternational

C · From code to handover

How a code requirement moves through a project

Each step leaves a document in our register, with the same CT codes used across this site. Dashed steps happen only where the code check says they are needed.

  1. Step 1: Survey

    We record what is installed and its condition, the hotel's permits and drawings, the last Civil Defense inspection records and the status of its Salamah safety licence.

    Register
    CT-01
    Who decides or signs
    Our MEP engineer, with your chief engineer

  2. Step 2: Code check

    For the agreed scope we list the SBC parts, authority requirements and specification standards that apply, the edition in force, and whether a stamped design, a permit or an approval is needed.

    Register
    CT-01 CT-03
    Who decides or signs
    Our engineers, reviewed with you

  3. Step 3: Design by a licensed office where required

    Where a stamp is needed, the design or the change to it is prepared and stamped by a licensed engineering office: your consultant, or one we appoint when design is in our scope.

    Register
    CT-04
    Who decides or signs
    The licensed engineering office

  4. Step 4: Civil Defense and municipal approval where required

    Civil Defense approves fire and life safety drawings. The Amanah or municipality issues permits, restoration permits and permit amendments through the Balady platform for works that need one. Nothing that depends on an approval starts before it is issued.

    Register
    CT-04
    Who decides or signs
    Civil Defense; the Amanah or municipality through Balady

  5. Step 5: Utility applications (SEC, NWC) where required

    Where new loads or connections need them, the account holder applies to the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) or the National Water Company (NWC). We prepare the load schedule and single-line diagram, stamped by the licensed engineering office, and put the lead time in the programme.

    Register
    CT-04
    Who decides or signs
    The distribution company or NWC

  6. Step 6: Works

    Shop drawings and submittals are checked against the same requirements before ordering. Every day runs on method statements, permits to work and isolations, and fire systems are impaired only under a written procedure.

    Who decides or signs
    Our project manager; your engineering team for permits

  7. Step 7: Testing and commissioning

    Tests run to the criteria in the approved design and the standards it names, witnessed by your engineer, and by Civil Defense where it inspects.

    Register
    CT-11 CT-12
    Who decides or signs
    Your engineer witnesses; Civil Defense where required

  8. Step 8: Certificates: Civil Defense, municipality, ministry where required

    Civil Defense inspects and the facility's Salamah safety licence is updated. Where a permit was issued, the Amanah or municipality issues the completion certificate through Balady. Ministry of Tourism licence and classification: the ministry's decision, after its own visit. We prepare the records each needs and attend; licences and certificates are issued to the facility, not to us.

    Register
    CT-12
    Who decides or signs
    Civil Defense; the Amanah or municipality; the Ministry of Tourism

  9. Step 9: Handover records

    As-built drawings, manuals, test records, warranties and the asset register are handed over, so the next inspection or renewal starts from documents, not memory.

    Who decides or signs
    Your director of engineering receives
Code-to-handover flow Method, not a project record Dashed: where required CT-01…CT-25

The full document register

D · A note on editions

Codes change. We confirm which edition applies.

Codes and standards are revised on their own cycles, and authorities adopt new editions on set dates. The legal minimum is the SBC edition in force when the permit is applied for. A specification or brand standard may require a later edition or a stricter standard, never a lower one. Inspection, testing and maintenance of existing fire systems follow the edition currently adopted.

We confirm the applicable editions at survey and record them in the condition report (CT-01), so your consultant, the contractors and the authority all work to the same version. This page gives code numbers, not edition years; the cost risk of a code change sits with the contract base date and its change-in-law clause. Code numbers and titles were checked against sbc.gov.sa in November 2026.

ISO management-system standards (9001, 14001, 45001, 41001, 50001) are listed because our methods follow them. We are not certified to any of them.

This page describes our method. It is not legal advice, and the authorities' own published texts govern.

Official sources

Start with the survey

Find out which codes your project touches

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