MOMAH issues municipal terms for private educational buildings

The requirements are aimed at improving the quality of the educational environment and regulating safety standards and urban planning for private education facilities

Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH) issued the municipal requirements for private educational buildings, aimed at improving the quality of educational and regulating safety standards and urban planning for private education facilities.

The new rules cover nurseries, kindergartens, schools, and educational complexes, the SPA reported.

They apply to private educational buildings constructed on lands designated as private or government-owned educational facilities invested in by the private sector.

In addition, they are enforced on buildings established on lands allocated for commercial use, subject to specific controls and standards that ensure optimal land use and provide a safe and integrated educational environment.

The ministry also stated that private educational buildings include all facilities dedicated to educating students in general education, foreign education, and community education. These facilities may be managed or invested in by the private or non-profit sectors, after obtaining a license from the Ministry of Education.

These facilities may accommodate more than one educational stage, in accordance with the approved classification.

The requirements detail site requirements and planning standards, stipulating that educational buildings must be located on two streets — at least one of which must be 25 meters wide — while independent nurseries are permitted on a single street with a minimum width of 15 meters. Additionally, these facilities must comply with statutory setbacks and ensure that building heights do not exceed the limits specified in the approved Building Code.

The new terms also allow for the establishment of internal residential buildings for students within licensed educational facilities, provided they are housed in a building independent of the educational facility.

The ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to the minimum land area allocated per student, based on geographical zoning.

The required area must not be less than four square meters (sqm) per student at the kindergarten level, with a minimum of five sqm per student in educational complexes. These measures ensure a suitable educational environment that can accommodate the expected student density.