Municipalities in various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have announced the implementation of a new regulatory direction that prohibits manual car washing at gas stations and service centers. This decision comes in line with directives from the Ministry of Energy, allowing existing car washes to continue only until their current licenses expire, after which they will be required to transition to automatic washing systems.
In the Hail region, the municipality confirmed the cessation of issuing any new licenses for manual car washes, meaning that the activity will be entirely limited to automatic systems. This shift aims to enhance and expedite service quality while reducing water and energy consumption. Automatic systems rely on recycling technologies and quantity control, minimizing waste and promoting sustainability, while also improving safety levels within stations and increasing operational efficiency.
Details of the Decision
This decision marks the end of a historical phase that began with the introduction of cars to the Hijaz region in the 1920s, where car washing was practiced simply at homes and workshops. With the proliferation of cars in the 1950s and 1960s, manual washing became an essential service, evolving in the 1970s and 1980s into a widespread commercial activity within neighborhoods and gas stations. However, modern environmental and economic changes no longer allow this model to sustain.
A study published in October 2024 in the journal Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research, involving a researcher from the Northern Borders University, indicates that car washes are among the high water-consuming activities, with a single facility potentially consuming around 22,500 liters daily to wash approximately 50 vehicles. The wastewater produced contains pollutants such as oils, greases, and chemicals, making its disposal without treatment a source of environmental pollution.
Background & Context
The study confirms the potential to reduce this impact through low-cost treatment systems capable of removing pollutants by up to 100% for certain elements and reusing water in washing operations. The size of the car wash market in the Kingdom is estimated at around 1.57 billion riyals, according to Ken Research, driven by the presence of over 15 million vehicles and an annual growth rate of nearly 5%.
The market is witnessing a rapid shift towards automated and mobile solutions, supported by increasing environmental awareness among approximately 70% of the population, in addition to regulatory requirements imposed since 2021 mandating the recycling of at least 70% of the water used. Despite having over 28,000 commercial registrations for car washing and lubrication activities by mid-2025, the sector faces challenges related to water scarcity, with an annual water deficit estimated at around 3.5 billion cubic meters, making manual washes among the most resource-intensive activities.
Impact & Consequences
This decision is considered an important step towards achieving environmental sustainability and enhancing the efficiency of water resource consumption in the Kingdom. It also reflects a trend towards innovation in service delivery, which may contribute to improving the quality of life for citizens and residents. This transition is expected to lead to increased investments in automatic washing technologies, opening new horizons for the sector.
Moreover, this decision may help raise environmental awareness among citizens, as further efforts are needed to encourage the community to utilize sustainable services. The shift to automatic washing systems could also contribute to reducing operational costs in the long term.
Regional Significance
This decision serves as a model for countries in the region that suffer from water scarcity, where there may be an urgent need to adopt innovative solutions in water resource management. Enhancing water consumption efficiency in the car wash sector can have a positive impact on the environment and society in other Arab countries.
In conclusion, this transition is a strategic step towards achieving sustainable development in the Kingdom and reflects the government's commitment to improving service quality and enhancing environmental sustainability.