Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing intends to ban the establishment of zoos within residential neighborhoods and near industrial zones. According to the draft regulations for protected reserves, it is allowed to set up zoos within sites designated for recreational, environmental or commercial use, as well as within nature reserves.

The ministry has presented these rules through the Istithlaa platform seeking public feedback on it in preparation for its approval. This is aimed at helping those wishing to invest in this field, and raising the standard of compliance to address visual distortion. The requirements also stressed the need to provide a road linking the area designated for the park with one of the expressways leading into and out of the city.

The requirements stipulated the need to connect the site to the main or regional roads that link the city's public transport network and the public transport lines in the region, as well as to the urban communities within its scope. The external stairs and car entrances shall be within the property ownership boundaries.

The draft rules stressed that the park's location should be outside the boundaries of flood passages, water pools and artesian wells. There should be more than one parking lot inside the park, so that it serves a specific part of the park, and these yards are linked to the park's entrances and exits and its internal road network, to distribute traffic well, in addition to providing parking spaces for cars.

The requirements also stipulated that the location of the zoo should be far from industrial areas and areas that produce pollutants such as stations where the surrounding uses are compatible with the activity of the zoo, such as regional commercial centers, cities and sports clubs. Also, the site should be surrounded by a green buffer zone with a width of not less than 10 meters if the site is located outside the development protection limit, for security reasons and to provide privacy.

The requirements obligated the licensee to adhere to the requirements and instructions issued by the National Center for Waste Management and the competent authority, and the requirements of general cleanliness and maintenance of floors, lighting, walls, air conditioning units and service extensions, as well as the installation of security cameras and the provision of electronic payment requirements.

It prohibited practicing an activity that is contrary to what was licensed or after the expiry of the license or practicing any additional activity not included in the license. It is also not allowed to practice the activity outside the boundaries of the licensed zoo, or using public sidewalks or setback areas, and removing or covering the zoo closure sticker.

According to the requirements, if the zoo is closed by the municipality, the zoo may not be reopened until the violation is rectified and the municipality approves the resumption of the activity.