Lands Classification & Uses



  Residential Lands

  Private Residential Area A - (RA)

  • • Permitted detached residential villas but residential apartments not be permitted.
  • • The height of the buildings does not exceed three floors.
  • • Building not be more than 180% and any floor not exceed 60% of the land area.
  • • All Sides Recoils.
  • • Two car parking.

  • • Permitted detached and connected residential units.
  • • Heights not exceed 3 stories.
  • • Building not be more than 180% and any floor shall not exceed 60% of the land area.
  • • All Sides Recoils.
  • • Two car parking

  • • Residential uses houses, villas and flats. Heights not exceed 3 stories.
  • • Building Percentages not be more than 210% and any floor shall not exceed 70% of the land area including the residence’s utilities.
  • • One parking.
  • • Recoils from Front and Rear.

  • • Residential uses houses.
  • • Heights not exceed 3 stories.
  • • The building percentage shall not be more than 300% including the veranda, services, staircases and lift shafts.
  • • One car parking.
  • • Without Recoils.

  • • Residential uses Houses and Villas.
  • • Heights not exceed 3 stories.
  • • The building percentage shall not be more than 255% of the total land area.
  • • No parking need.
  • • Recoils from Front.

  • • Residential uses houses, separate and attached villas and garden flats.
  • • Height Two Floors.
  • • The building percentage shall not be more than 55% of the land area for all buildings.
  • • Cars Parking at least two within the plot for each unit.
  • • Recoils from All Sides.

  Investment Apartment Block Areas A - (BA)

  • • Permitted uses in such areas residential, commercial, management or all such uses as shall be shown by plans determining the approved development areas.
  • • Building Percentages shall not be more than 1200% and the built-up floor area not be more than 60% of the land area.
  • • For plots situated in the Diplomatic Area, the building percentage shall not be more than 700% of the land area.
  • • Recoils from Sides and Rear.
  • • Permitted to build multi-stories car parks on the borders all sides and not be as part of the permitted building and height percentages.
  • • One car park for each flat and not be less than one car park per 100 square meters.
  • • Plots overlooking approved commercial roads, recession not less than 6 meters from front border to be used as footpaths and car parks.
  • • Permitted to add a mezzanine not be more than 70% of the ground floor area.

  • • Permitted uses in such areas residential, commercial, management or all such uses as shall be shown by plans determining the approved development areas.
  • • Building Percentages shall not be more than 750% of the land area.
  • • Recoils from Sides and Rear.
  • • Required car parks on the ground floor and permitted to build multi-stories car parks on the borders all Sides and not calculated as part of the permitted building and height percentages.
  • • One car park for each flat and shall not be less than one car park per 100 square meters.
  • • For plots overlooking approved commercial roads, recession not less than 6 meters from the front border of the land to be used as footpaths and car parks.
  • • Permitted to add a mezzanine not be more than 70% of the ground floor area.

  Areas of Investment Buildings (B1) overlooking the main roads - (BB1)

  • • Commercial use (commercial showrooms) shall be permitted only on the ground floor and the mezzanine floor of the main façade at depth of no less than 18 meters measured from the approved planning line or the depth of the property, which is greater. only in the buildings overlooking King Mohammed the Sixth Avenue, 2809 and 2819 and the roads 38 and 40.
  • • Residential or business uses or all of them on first floor and the floors above it are permitted.
  • • The rear service road shall only be used as an entrance and car park area, and for loading unloading and emergency exits.
  • • Building Percentages:
    •   • Building percentages shall not be more than 750% and the built-up floor area for any floor shall not be more than 60% of the land area.
    •   • A mezzanine floor not exceed 70% of the ground floor area.
    •   • The showroom area shall not be less than 100 square meters.
    •   • The basement not be calculated as part of the permitted building percentage, provided area is not less than 70% shall be used as car parks and be used as utilities, services and entrances.
    •   • Recoils from Sides and Rear.

  • • Commercial use is only permitted on the ground floor and the mezzanine floor of the main façade at a depth of no less than 6 meters from the land border for buildings overlooking internal courtyards and footpath.
  • • Multiple residential or management or all of them are permitted on the first floor and upper floors.
  • • The recession area of the ground floor overlooking the rear service road shall only be used as car parks and for loading and unloading.
  • • Building Percentages:
    •    • Building percentages shall not be more than 750% and the built up areas for any floor shall not be more than 60% of the land area.
    •    • A basement be allowed to be built and its area shall not be calculated as part of the aforesaid building percentage provided it shall use up an area of no less than 70% as car parks.
    •    • Recoils from Sides and Rear.

  • • Commercial uses (commercial showrooms) in the ground floor and the mezzanine floor overlooking Avenue 40. The building may be used as car parks from the first floor to the fifth floor as a maximum.
  • • Building height shall not be more than 5 stories.
  • • Recoils from Sides and Rear.
  • • The height of ground and mezzanine floor combined shall be 7.5 meters
  • • Separate vehicle entrances and exits must be provided on the rear service road

  • • Permitted uses residential commercial management or all such uses as shall be shown by plans determining the approved development areas.
  • • A building’s height shall not be more than 10 stories.
  • • Building Percentages not be more than 500% and the built-up for any floor not be more than 60% of the land area. Recoils from Sides and Rear.
  • • One car park for each flat and shall not be less than one car park per 100 square meters.
  • • For plots overlooking approved commercial roads, recession not less than 6 meters from the front border of the land to be used as footpaths and car parks.
  • • Permitted to add a mezzanine not be more than 70% of the ground floor area.

  • • Permitted in such areas residential, commercial, management or all such uses as shall be shown by plans determining the approved development areas.
  • • A building’s height shall be 6 stories.
  • • The building percentage shall not be more than 300% and the built-up floor area not be more than 60% of the land area.
  • • A single floor is permitted to be as utilities recreational activities and residential services, provided the built-up area is not more than 60% of the land area and not be calculated as a part of the overall building percentage.
  • • Recoils from Sides and Rear

  • • Permitted in such areas residential with Fronts Commercial
  • • Construction not exceed 300% of the total land area
  • • Six Floors
  • • Recoil sides and back

  • • Permitted uses residential, commercial, management or all such uses as shall be shown by plans determining the approved development areas.
  • • A building’s height shall be 4 stories.
  • • The building percentage not be more than 240% and the built-up floor area shall not be more than 60% of the land area.
  • • A single floor is permitted to be as utilities recreational activities and residential services, is not more than 60% of the land area and not be a part of the overall building percentage.
  • • Each flat shall not be less than 80 square meters
  • • One car park for each residential unit (flat).
  • • Recoils from all Sides.

  • • Permitted in such areas residential, commercial, management or all such uses as shall be shown by plans determining the approved development areas.
  • • A building’s height shall be 3 stories.
  • • The building percentage shall not be more than 180% and Built-up area for any floor must not be more than 60% of the land area.
  • • A single floor is permitted to be as utilities recreational activities and residential services, is not more than 60% of the land area and not as a part of the overall building percentage.
  • • Each flat shall not be less than 80 square meters
  • • One car park for each residential unit (flat).
  • • Recoils from all Sides.

  • • Permitted in such areas residential with Fronts Commercial
  • • Construction not exceed 180% of the total land area
  • • Three Floors
  • • Recoil sides and back

  • • Permitted uses in such areas residential, commercial, management or all such uses as shall be shown by plans determining the approved development areas.
  • • A building’s height shall be 6 stories.
  • • The building percentage not be more 300% and the built-up floor area not be more 30% of the land area.
  • • Recoils from all Sides

  • • Permitted in such areas residential, commercial, management or all such uses as shall be shown by plans determining the approved development areas.
  • • The height of the building must not be more than 5 stories.
  • • Building Percentages must not be more than 500% of the land area.
  • • A single floor is permitted to be as utilities recreational activities and residential services, is not more than 60% of the land area and not be a part of building percentage.
  • • Each flat shall not be less than 60 square meters
  • • One car park for each residential unit (flat).
  • • Recoils from Sides and Rear.


 Commercial Showroom Area - (COM)

  • • Permitted in such areas residential, commercial, management or all such uses as shall be shown by plans determining the approved development areas.
  • • A building’s height shall be 5 stories.
  • • The building percentage shall not be more than 300% and the built-up floor area shall not be more than 60% of the land area.
  • • Recoils from all Sides.
  • • A mezzanine not more than 70% of the ground floor area.
  • • Appurtenances for the residence shall be permitted to be built on the roof of the building with an additional percentage not exceeding 30% of the roof area built with a height of 3 meters.
  • • The basement not be calculated as part of the permitted building percentage, provided area is not less than 70% shall be used as car parks.
  • • The showroom’s area shall not be less than 100 square meters of built-up area.
  • • Store belonging to the commercial showrooms shall be permitted not more than 30% of the permitted the total built surfaces.
  • • Showrooms permitted to be built with a depth not exceeding 100 meters measured from the approved planning line or depth of the property, whichever is less.
  • • Workers accommodation not be more than 30% of the land area and must be on the rear side of the land that does not overlook the front road.
  • • Imperative to provide car parks at least one car park for each 100 square meters for the built surfaces in the residential and business uses.
  • • It necessary to provide special areas for loading and unloading within the perimeters of the
  • • property without conflicting with the building and its facilities.
  • • The private commercial complexes, the basement may be used for commercial purposes and calculated of the total built up area and not affect the number of car parks for the project, since each project will be considered separately in accordance with the mechanism of special nature projects.


  Industrial Manufacturing of Special Projects A - (DA)

Without prejudice to the applicable industrial laws and regulations, industrial projects category (a) in industrial areas shall be deemed as projects of a special nature that require obtaining a planning approval from the General Directorate of Urban Planning with respect to the suitability of the site from the planning aspect in coordination with the concerned authorities.

  • • They are intended for industrial manufacturing purposes, management offices, showrooms and warehouses for the products of such industries as indicated in the plans for determination of development area.
  • • A building’s 4 stories. An increase of the height shall be permitted in the cases required by industrial facilities with special specifications upon obtaining the planning approval thereof.
  • • Recoils from all Sides
  • • Building Percentages shall not be more than 240% and the built-up area of any floor shall not be more than 60% of the land area.
  • • A mezzanine floor shall be permitted not more than 70% of the ground floor area and not calculated from building percentage.
  • • Showrooms built-up area not be more than 20% of the ground floor area
  • • A basement shall be allowed to be built as required and not be calculated of the building percentage provided that it shall fulfil the safety and security requirements shall be decided by the concerned authorities.
  • • It is necessary to provide the required car parks either on the ground floor, upper floors, and basement or in all of them. It imperative to at least one car park for each 200 square meters for the built surfaces. car park not be calculated as a part of the overall building percentage.

  • • They are intended for light industrial uses, workshops, management offices, stores and showrooms for industrial products and worker’s accommodation as indicated in the plans for determination of development area.
  • • The total built-up areas of all buildings shall not be more than 240% and the built-up area of any floor shall not be more than 60% of the land area.
  • • A building’s height shall not be more than 4 stories.
  • • Recoils from all Sides
  • • A mezzanine floor shall be permitted to be built with an area not exceeding 70% of the ground floor area and not be calculated as part of the permitted building percentage.
  • • The total built up for workers’ accommodation shall not be more than 120% of the land area.
  • • The area of a single workshop shall not be less than 100 square meters.
  • • A basement allowed to be built as required and not be calculated as building percentage provided that it shall fulfil the safety and security requirements
  • • One car park for each 200 square meters of the built surfaces.
  • • Light industrial buildings, workshops and connected or semi- connected stores shall be obtaining the approval of the General Directorate of Civil Defense with respect to determination of emergency exits, assembly points and such other requirements of security and safety in emergencies.

  • • They are intended for light industrial and service workshops, as indicated in the plans for determination of development area.
  • • Building Percentages not be more than 240% and the built-up area of any floor shall not be more than 60% of the land area.
  • • A building’s height shall not be more than 3 stories
  • • Recoils from all Sides
  • • A mezzanine floor to be built with an area not exceeding 70% of the ground floor area.
  • • The area of a single workshop shall not be less than 50 square meters.
  • • The total area allocated for workers’ accommodation shall not be more than 120% of the land area.
  • • A basement shall be allowed to be built and not be calculated as part of the aforesaid building percentage provided that it shall fulfill the safety and security requirements as shall be decided by the concerned authorities.
  • • imperative to provide additional car parks not less than one car park for each 200 square meters of the built-up areas.

  • • They are intended for light industrial uses, maintenance repair and oil change service workshops and for tire repairs as well as similar services also management offices, industrial and service showrooms and workers’ accommodation as indicated in the plans for determination of development area.
  • • Building Percentages shall not be more than 180% and the built-up area of any floor shall not be more than 60% of the land area.
  • • A building’s height shall not be more than 3 stories.
  • • Recoils from Front and Rear only.
  • • A mezzanine floor built with an area not exceeding 70% of the ground floor area.
  • • Built up percentage allocated for accommodation shall not be more than 90% of the land area.
  • • The area of a single workshop shall not be less than 30 square meters.
  • • A basement shall be allowed to be built and it shall fulfil the safety and security requirements as shall be decided by the concerned authorities.

  Agricultural Areas - (AG)

  • • The following uses shall be permitted as indicated in the plans for determination of the approved development areas:
  • o All agricultural and recreational activities and building green houses and plant nurseries shall be permitted in such area.
  • o Special residential units, residential compounds and farmers’ accommodation shall be permitted to be built.
  • o Permission shall be granted for carrying on animal husbandry activities and establishment of poultry farms and animal stables upon obtaining a planning approval from the General Directorate of Urban Planning concerning the fitness of the site from the planning aspect in co-ordination with the concerned authorities, provided that the license to carry on the aforesaid activities shall be issued by the authority concerned with agricultural affairs and General Commission for Protection of Marine Wealth, Environment and Wildlife.
  • o A basement may be built where area shall not be calculated as a part of the aforesaid building percentage, provided at least 70% thereof is used as car parks.
  • • The total built-up areas of residential units shall not be more than 30% of the land area as more than one housing unit shall be permitted to be built, provided that the share of a single residential unit shall not be less than 2,000 square meters of the land area and shall be grouped in one side of the land.
  • • The built-up area of the farmer’s accommodation shall not be more than 5% of the land area.
  • • The total area of animal pens and stables shall not be more than 10% of the land area.
  • • Recoils from all sides
  • • A residential units’ height shall not be more than 2 stories and the height of the office, watchman’s room, farmers’ accommodation, pump rooms and stores shall not be more than one floor.
  • • The general requirements and specifications issued by the authority concerned with agricultural affairs shall be followed with respect to the establishment of cow pens, horse stables, poultry farms and such other animal and agricultural production activities as well as the conditions related to the reclamation of irrigation and drainage canals and removing palm trees.

  Areas of Projects of a Special Nature - (SP)

  • • There shall be determined in the development plans in the Kingdom areas that may be allocated for projects of a special nature, provided that a planning approval shall be obtained from Zoning Regulation for Construction as required by the nature of each project.
  • • Development projects of a special nature shall be permitted after obtaining the planning approval of the suitability of the site for development for each project from the General Directorate of Urban Planning. Meanwhile, co-ordination shall take place with the authorities concerned with development, utilities, services and roads. Further, such authorities may request the owner to submit a preliminary study of the effects of the proposed uses for construction applicable in the area, road network, utilities, environmental studies and public services, provided that the General Directorate of Urban Planning shall be furnished with recommendations from such authorities within 30 days from the date of receiving the approval request. The Minister concerned with Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture shall issue an order concerning the zoning and development conditions according to the nature of each project, in accordance with article (20) of the Law for Regulation of Building.

  • • Approved general and detailed development plans or plans for determination of development projects for educational, health, sports, social, religious, cultural, recreational, tourist and public utilities projects and similar projects shall be permitted in the areas designed for public services and utilities subject to obtaining a planning approval for the suitability of the site for the proposed development from the General Directorate of Urban Planning in addition to determination of the zoning regulations for construction of each project as part of the planning approval thereof. The above shall take place in co-ordination with the concerned authorities.

In order to pass urban legislation stimulating the development and development of the Green Belt area without compromising its beauty and urban dimensions, new classifications have been introduced for this project under the name "Green Building Areas" and divided into 5 branches:

  1. Green Commercial Zone GB

  • • Where the percentage of flat construction is not more than 30%
  • • The construction rate is not more than 60%
  • • And the maximum construction is two floors

  • • Where the percentage of flat construction is not more than 30%
  • • the construction rate does not exceed 240 %
  • • and the maximum height is 8 floors,

  • • Has a flat building ratio of no more than 30%
  • • Construction rate not more than 180%
  • • Maximum height 6 floors,

  • • Has a flat building ratio of no more than 35%
  • • Construction rate not more than 140%
  • • Maximum height 4 floors,

  • • Where the percentage of flat construction is not more than 40%
  • • the construction rate is not more than 120 %
  • • and the maximum height is 3 floors.

  • Ministry of Housing Projects Zone - MOH

The requirements set out in Resolution No. 76 of 2018 about issuing the regulatory requirements applicable to housing projects shall apply

A frozen land is a plot of land that is zoned according to approved zoning maps but has been temporarily frozen under a building permit system because of its impact on services, road network or other factors. You can inquire about the reason for the freeze by referring to the relevant section within the Authority.

Areas that are under the Implementation Stage (IS) zone are the areas that have been planned before some adjustments took place at a later date. The land owner should consult with the Urban Planning and Development Authority to complete the procedures for updating the title deed in order for the land zone to be updated according to the approved plan for the area.

The Authority continues to gradually plan unplanned areas in line with the technical requirements of re-planning and its accordance with many standards that need to be followed in coordination with the relevant governmental service entities. This requires many procedures and preparations that take some time to prepare for planning.

The Authority continues to gradually plan unplanned areas in line with the technical requirements of re-planning and its accordance with many standards that need to be followed in coordination with the relevant governmental service entities. This requires many procedures and preparations that take some time to prepare for planning.

For more information, please visit Urban Planning and Development Authority

For more information, please visit Urban Planning and Development Authority









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