Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has mandated that barbers hold valid health certificates, maintain personal hygiene and observe proper health practices before and during services. The ministry said the requirements are meant to tighten standards across the sector.
Hygiene and sterilisation rules for barber shops
The ministry stressed that men’s barber shops must clean, disinfect and sterilise reusable tools after each use. Single-use tools must be discarded immediately after use.
Establishments must also clean and sterilise all equipment regularly and keep service areas clean.
Permit needed for home barbering services
The ministry emphasised that offering home barbering outside a licensed establishment requires a specific permit.
Aim of the rules and approach to compliance
According to the ministry, the rules aim to protect customers’ health, improve service quality, promote sound health practices and regulate business operations. They also give investors and business owners clear guidelines to operate under approved standards.
The ministry said raising awareness and explaining how the rules should be applied is part of its approach to encouraging compliance before penalties are imposed.
