Saudi Arabia Tightens Hygiene Rules and Requires License for Home Barbering
The Saudi Ministry mandates that barbers maintain valid health certificates and obtain special permission for services provided outside licensed establishments.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has published new rigorous guidelines for the men's barbering sector. This measure is relevant to professionals in the field because it redefines mandatory operational standards, focusing directly on client health and the regularity of services provided.
The main novelty concerns the offer of home services. The ministry clarified that, to operate outside a licensed establishment, the barber must possess a specific permit. This means that the freedom to serve clients in their homes is not automatic and depends on an additional authorization from the regulatory body.
Beyond the bureaucratic issue, the rules impose detailed sanitary requirements. Professionals must present valid health certificates, maintain rigorous personal hygiene, and follow appropriate practices before and during service. The goal is to ensure that each step of the service occurs under safe conditions for those sitting in the chair.
The handling of tools also received special attention. The regulations determine that reusable utensils must be cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized after each individual use. Meanwhile, single-use items must be discarded immediately after the appointment. The establishment as a whole needs to maintain regular cleaning of all equipment and the areas where services are performed.
According to the ministry, these requirements aim to protect client health and elevate the overall quality of service. The intention is to create a more organized business environment, offering clear guidelines for investors and barbershop owners who wish to operate according to approved standards.
To facilitate adaptation, the government adopted an initial approach focused on awareness. Before applying fines, authorities seek to clarify how to implement these norms, helping owners fulfill their obligations and making compliance with health standards a constant practice in the daily operations of barbershops.
BarberRicci newsroom, with information from Saudi Gazette.