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The 2024 Editions of Saudi Building Code SBC 201 and SBC 801 officially came into effect on 1st July 2025. This is the first major revision since the 2018 edition and it aligns with and International Fire Code (IFC) (2021 Edition). The update introduces important enhancements that strengthen life safety and improve design efficiency. Below is a concise summary of the most notable changes in the 2024 edition:

  • Fire Apparatus Access & Egress Path Integrity: As per SBC 801, Appendix D, aerial fire apparatus access roads are no longer required in Type IA, IB, or IIA construction, provided the structures are full protected with automatic sprinklered buildings and firefighters are granted access to all roof surfaces through enclosed stairway equipped with a Class I standpipe system extending from the lowest access level. Civil Defense approval is mandatory to implement this exception.
  • Automatic sprinkler system: All open parking that exceed the area of 4,460 m2 are now mandated to be equipped with automatic sprinkler systems. This requirement also applies to parking podiums in high-rise buildings.
  • Fire command center (FCC): The area and dimensions of an FCC are now determined based on the overall building area, replacing the previous fixed requirement of 19 m2. Additionally, FCCs must display a visible sign at the entrance stating, “FIRE COMMAND CENTER”.
  • Atrium: An open stairway within an atrium may now be considered a valid egress route. The requirements to consider the staircase as a mean of egress are detailed in Chapter 4, Section 404.10 of SBC 201.
  • Occupant load factor (OLFs): The OLF for business occupancy use has revised from 9 m2/person to 14 m2/person according to Table 1004.5.
  • Air traffic control tower (ATC): Keeping in mind the rising demands of ATCs in the country, Section 412.2.1. has been added to SBC 201 to establish specific design requirements for a control tower.
  • Means of egress: Mechanical rooms that are unoccupied or accessed occasionally for maintenance are now exempt from the common path of egress travel limitations.
  • High-rise buildings: Significant changes have been made to the emergency system requirement in high-rise buildings which are detailed in Section 403.4. of SBC 201.
  • Fire Pump and Riser Rooms: These spaces shall be equipped with permanent artificial illumination and designed to provide adequate access and clearance to equipment for inspection, service, or replacement. The fire-resistance rating of the room’s construction or its assemblies shall remain unchanged.

How Vortex Fire can help

Our specialists are ready to interpret these updates and translate them into practical, compliant design solutions. For project specific guidance, email us at dubai@vortexfire.com. You can also follow us on LinkedIn for ongoing insights and deeper dives into the changes.

Meet the ChatGPT SBC Assistant

We have developed a ChatGPT powered SBC Assistant that helps practitioners navigate the SBC 201 and 801 (2018 Edition) provisions quickly and accurately. It can explain code intent, surface relevant sections, and support preliminary design decisions. For more information, AI Tool.

The 2024 edition version of the SBC Assistant is in development and will be launched soon. Follow our LinkedIn page for the announcement.