Higher authorities have issued a directive stipulating that services shall not be provided to buildings that are ready for use or occupancy, and to prevent supervisors, designers, and contractors from operating or using such buildings if they have not obtained a building occupancy permit from the municipal authority, confirming compliance with the Saudi Building Code.

The Saudi Building Code requires violators who commit «serious» violations that endanger lives or property to halt construction of the part or section posing the danger, or to prevent occupancy or evacuate the building.

The regulations also provide for penalties against violators, including a fine of up to one million riyals per violation, or the suspension of the practice license granted to individuals, entities, institutions, or companies to conduct studies and design work.The Code will apply to all construction work in the public and private sectors, including the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and modification of buildings, and it also applies to existing buildings in the event of their restoration, change of use, expansion, or modification.Last January, the Council of Ministers approved the establishment of the General Real Estate Authority and also approved the regulations for implementing the Saudi Building Code.