Saudi Arabia is considering a major expansion of commercial and community activities within public parks, under proposed regulations designed to boost neighbourhood economies, enhance quality of life and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has published draft rules on the Istilaa public consultation platform that would allow a range of commercial, recreational and social services to operate within parks located along residential streets, subject to strict planning and operational controls.

The proposed framework classifies permitted activities according to park size. Parks covering 5,000 square metres or more would be eligible to host men’s and women’s fitness centres, entertainment venues, childcare facilities, non-residential senior citizen centres and day-care services for people with disabilities.

Smaller parks would also be opened to commercial uses. Parks of at least 1,500 square metres could accommodate retail outlets selling fresh and preserved fruit and vegetables, as well as hydroponic farming projects. Those measuring 1,200 square metres or more could host cafés, ice cream shops, fresh juice outlets and flower retailers.

The ministry said the initiative aims to stimulate economic activity within residential districts while preserving the public character of parks and improving access to community services.

Under the proposed rules, commercial developments would be subject to a series of restrictions intended to protect nearby residents. Buildings would be limited to a maximum of 25 per cent of a park’s total area and could not exceed two storeys in height. Commercial facilities would also be prohibited from directly overlooking neighbouring homes.

Parks selected for commercial investment would need to front roads at least 15 metres wide, while cafés would be barred from serving tobacco products.

For larger parks exceeding 5,000 square metres, municipalities would be required to conduct comprehensive traffic studies and implement any resulting recommendations before approving commercial activities.

The draft regulations place significant responsibilities on investors. In undeveloped parks, investors would be required to finance, build, operate and maintain the entire site in accordance with approved technical standards. In existing parks, investors would assume responsibility for operation and maintenance under municipal guidelines governing landscaping and public green spaces.

The ministry also said all projects must comply with Saudi park design standards, national architectural guidelines and environmental noise regulations to ensure neighbouring communities are not adversely affected.

To oversee implementation, the ministry has proposed the establishment of a committee comprising representatives from its departments responsible for privatisation and financial sustainability, urban planning and land management, and licensing and project coordination. The body would review the rollout of the regulations and consider future amendments to the list of permitted activities.

GN

 Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Traffic has warned motorists against violating vehicle window tinting regulations, saying offenders could face fines ranging from SR500 to SR900.

The authority said rear window tinting is permitted provided it does not exceed 30 per cent, a level intended to balance privacy with road safety while helping reduce heat inside vehicles and protect occupants from sunlight.

However, tinting beyond the permitted level on the front windscreen is prohibited because it may impair visibility and compromise safe driving, the department said.

Under the regulations, tinting is allowed on front side windows and rear windows as long as it remains sufficiently transparent and does not obstruct the driver’s vision. Authorities also prohibit the use of reflective or mirror-like films and the placement of images, stickers or decorative materials on vehicle glass if they interfere with visibility.

The Traffic Department urged motorists to comply with the regulations to avoid penalties and help maintain road safety standards across the kingdom

GN

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil told CNBC Tuesday that as a funding cliff approaches, the organization has to trust Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will back the golf venture through the rest of the season as it has promised.

“I can say they’ve been terrific partners so far, and you have to take an incredible organization like PIF at their word,” O’Neil said. “They’ve been very public about funding us through the season, so we are full steam ahead.”

PIF is set to pull its funding from the golf league at the end of 2026 schedule, CNBC reported in late April. PIF Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan also stepped down from his position as LIV Golf chairman.

The organization began an investor roadshow last month, seeking to raise up to $350 million from stakeholders to continue its operations.

But recent media reports suggested PIF could pull its money earlier than planned, raising doubts about whether the league could even finish out its season.

When asked about those reports, O’Neil said the players, management and advisors are “locked in.”

Asked if he can guarantee that the four remaining tournaments on this year’s schedule will take place, O’Neil said that what he “can guarantee is a heck of a return if you come invest in this business.”

He added that the organization now needs to be “disciplined and very, very value-creative” in order to be sustainable.

“I think we have a very, very special opportunity to create tremendous value,” O’Neil said.

So far, O’Neil said, he’s had five formal meetings to discuss interest in funding the organization, with 18 more planned for this week. He said the response has “been positive” and that he hopes to end the fundraising process this summer.

“While we have incredible business momentum, what we don’t have is a lot of time, so we’re very urgently out there talking to those who are interested,” he said

CNBC