Istiraha

istiraha (Arabic: استراحة) (plural: istirahat; Arabic: استراحات) is a type of multipurpose building in Saudi Arabia, situated on a plot of no less than 3,000 square meters (the minimum required in some cases), enclosed by a wall, with concrete structures covering around 20% of the total area.[1] It serves as a multipurpose venue for events such as prenuptial agreement ceremonies (milkah), weddings, social gatherings, and as a meeting place for friends and acquaintances, with some istrahat featuring recreational facilities including swimming pools, children’s playgrounds, and sports courts, playing a significant role in urban planning and representing an important sector in trade and investment within Saudi Arabia, while also being an integral part of Saudi cultural and social customs.[2][3][4]

These venues are officially licensed and regulated under the Saudi Building Code. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing is responsible for overseeing their planning guidelines and construction standards. Istirahat are generally categorized as either private or commercial and typically include a majlis (sitting room), a muqallat (dining room), and may also feature traditional Arabic tents, kitchens, and restrooms. Outdoor areas are often covered with grass.[4]

Cultural Background

Istiraha (Arabic: استراحة), meaning "rest", refers to private retreats or vacation homes commonly found in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, providing spaces for relaxation and leisure away from daily routines, designed to suit local climates and offering varying levels of comfort and luxury; often compared to Western chalets or cabins but reflecting regional cultural and environmental characteristics, istirahat have been part of Saudi social life for decades, serving as alternatives to cafés and popular gathering places particularly among young men who commonly rent them monthly for regular meetings, with demand increasing during holidays as families and relatives gather, and are characterized by spacious outdoor areas for events and gatherings accommodating families, individuals, tourists, and groups of friends.[4]

Social Impact

Istirahat have been associated with several negative social effects in Saudi Arabia. They have become an integral part of some individuals' lifestyles, often leading to extended absences from home. Studies have linked the use of istirahat to increased rates of divorce and family breakdown. Additionally, these venues can provide opportunities for youth to engage in smoking and drug use due to a lack of parental supervision. In rare instances, istirahat have been reported as sites for extremist gatherings and centers of social corruption.

Regulatory Framework

In the Saudi regulatory framework, istirahat (rest houses) are distinguished from vacation homes (chalets); istirahat are overseen by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, while chalets fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism, each governed by its own regulations and standards. Istirahat are included in development plans aimed at improving their overall appearance and sustainability, promoting investment in commercial istirahat, enhancing compliance with urban landscape standards, and addressing visual pollution. Accordingly, specific regulatory conditions have been established that owners are required to follow.[5]

Private Istirahat

These are buildings designated for personal, non-commercial use. They require only a building permit, and renting them out for profit is prohibited. Violations may result in fines, as they are licensed solely for private use.[5]

Commercial Istirahat

These licensed facilities are designated for hosting events or providing recreational services in exchange for daily, monthly, or annual fees. They require both a building permit and a commercial license and are regulated by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing. Their construction is subject to specific regulations depending on whether they are located within neighborhoods designated for istirahat use in approved zoning plans or in areas where such zoning has not yet been defined.[1][5]

General Regulations for Istirahat[1]
# Conditions for Licensing the Construction of Commercial Istirahat Within Approved Istirahat Plans Conditions for Licensing the Construction of Commercial Istirahat Within Residential Plans in Cities Without Approved Istirahat Plans
1 Building coverage in the istiraha must not exceed 20% (ground floor only of concrete buildings), plus 10% for areas that can be covered such as tents and car parking shades. Commercial istirahat construction is limited to approved istirahat plans inside cities and not permitted elsewhere. In cities without approved istirahat plans, commercial istirahat are allowed in approved residential plans on city outskirts where urbanization has not reached, provided that:
  • The site is on two streets, one of which is commercial.
  • The site area is not less than 3,000 square meters.
  • The distance from the site to the nearest hospital is at least 500 meters from the property boundary.
  • The distance from the site to the nearest fuel station is at least 20 meters from the property boundary.
  • Setbacks must be at least 3 meters adjacent to neighbors and at least 1/5 of the street width.
  • Municipalities and village complexes must allocate sites for commercial istirahat in their plans.
2 Setbacks and building heights must comply with the approved plan regulations.
3 No entrances allowed on secondary streets except service and emergency entrances; all entry and exit must be via the main street.
4 Preliminary plans must be submitted to the competent municipal authority for design and project concept approval, including site coordination such as paving, walkways, lighting, landscaping, and ensuring aesthetic value. Separate entrances for women and segregation of men’s and women’s areas are required.
5 Building materials must be fire-resistant for at least two hours.
6 Adequate parking spaces must be provided according to technical standards.
7 Public health requirements must be met according to municipal health and technical regulations.
8 Coordination with the General Directorate of Civil Defense is required for safety standards related to pools and tents inside the istirahat.
9 A lit signboard at the entrance must display the istiraha name, license number, owner’s name, and phone number, with payment of applicable fees to the municipality.
10 Commercial istirahat are not allowed to be used as workshops, car showrooms, or warehouses within approved plans.
11 Municipalities and village complexes must ensure enforcement of these regulations and maintain cleanliness standards.

References

  1. ^ a b c "الضوابط العامة للاستراحات" [General Regulations for Istirahat] (in Arabic).
  2. ^ "Istiraha: A rare look inside the Saudi man-cave". Al Arabiya English. 2015-05-27. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  3. ^ "Riyadh - From Istirahas to Urban Resorts" (PDF).
  4. ^ a b c developer, go (2024-08-23). "Riyadh's Hidden Escapes: Finding the Perfect Istiraha and Chalet". Maknaz. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  5. ^ a b c "اللائحة التنظيمية لنشاط الاستراحات" [The Governing Regulation of the Leisure Facilities Business] (PDF) (in Arabic).
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