Humanizing Domestic Worker Housing 2025: Legal Standards and Humane Design for Maid and Driver Rooms in Saudi Villas

Introduction: Human Dignity Begins with Housing

Amid the focus on designing luxurious bedrooms, elegant living rooms, and modern kitchens, an important aspect of Saudi villa design is often neglected: the domestic worker's or driver's room. This oversight is not merely a design error but a humanitarian and regulatory issue that can have serious consequences.

A domestic worker is a human being before being an employee. They left their homeland and family to work in your home, help care for your children, and facilitate your daily life. The least they deserve is a dignified sleeping space that preserves their privacy and provides comfort after a long day of work.

In this comprehensive article, we will cover everything related to domestic worker housing design: from the new regulatory requirements in the Saudi Building Code, to health and humanitarian standards, to practical design tips. Our goal is for this guide to be a reference for everyone building or renovating their villa, ensuring a decent living environment for all home occupants.

First: Regulatory Standards in the New Saudi Building Code

In July 2024, the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing issued new requirements for residential building construction, including for the first time clear and specific standards for domestic worker rooms. This step reflects the Kingdom's direction toward humanizing the domestic work environment and ensuring worker rights.

Minimum Area and Dimensions

According to the new requirements, the sleeping room for a driver or domestic worker must not be less than 6.5 square meters, with a minimum width of 2.1 meters. This area does not include the bathroom, which must be separate or attached to the room.

This area may seem small at first glance, but it represents the minimum acceptable by regulation. It is always better to provide a larger space that allows for placing essential furniture while leaving comfortable movement space.

Why Are These Standards Important?

Cramming workers into narrow rooms under stairs or in neglected annexes is no longer legally acceptable. Violating these requirements may expose the homeowner to legal accountability, especially in case of labor complaints. Compliance with standards protects everyone: the worker and the employer.

Second: Health and Environmental Requirements

Regulatory requirements are not limited to space alone but include essential health and environmental aspects to ensure worker safety and comfort.

Natural Ventilation

Providing a window for natural ventilation is not a luxury but a health necessity. Closed rooms without natural ventilation are fertile environments for mold and bacteria growth, spread of respiratory diseases, and excessive humidity affecting skin and respiratory health.

The window should be of adequate size to allow fresh air and natural light. If the room is in a location that doesn't allow an external window, an effective mechanical ventilation system should be used with regular maintenance.

Air Conditioning and Temperature Control

In the Kingdom's hot climate, providing adequate air conditioning in the worker's room is not optional but necessary. The air conditioner should have appropriate cooling capacity for the room size, and temperature control should be accessible to the worker themselves.

Adequate Lighting

Natural lighting through the window is important during the day, but adequate artificial lighting must also be provided for evenings. A main ceiling light with a bedside reading lamp provides balanced and comfortable lighting.

Third: Essential Furniture and Equipment

A domestic worker's room needs basic equipment that ensures their comfort and organization of belongings. Here is a list of essentials:

Bed and Bedding

A single bed of acceptable quality with a comfortable mattress is the foundation of comfort. Don't skimp on mattress quality because good sleep directly reflects on the worker's performance and mental health. Provide clean covers and pillows, changing them regularly or providing an extra set for replacement.

Wardrobe

An appropriately sized wardrobe for storing clothes and personal belongings. Preferably, the wardrobe should be lockable to provide privacy and security for the worker's possessions.

Bedside Table or Small Desk

A small space for placing the phone and personal items, or for reading and communicating with family via the internet. This simple touch makes the worker feel they have a real personal space.

Small Refrigerator

Especially for the driver's room separate from the house, a small refrigerator enables them to store drinks and snacks. This saves them from frequent entry to the house and gives them greater independence.

Fourth: Bathroom and Sanitary Facilities

One of the most important elements of human dignity is providing a private or semi-private bathroom for the domestic worker.

Best Option: Attached Bathroom

The best design is for the bathroom to be directly attached to the worker's room. This provides complete privacy and avoids embarrassment. An attached bathroom doesn't need to be large; 2 to 3 square meters is sufficient for a toilet, sink, and shower.

Alternative Option: Nearby Designated Bathroom

If the design doesn't allow for an attached bathroom, a bathroom near the worker's room designated for their use must be provided. It's important that this bathroom not be shared with guests or passed through by family members.

Hygiene Supplies

Providing basic hygiene supplies such as soap, shampoo, and towels is part of the employer's duties. Some families allocate a small monthly budget for the worker to purchase personal supplies according to their preferences.

Fifth: Location and Privacy

The location of the worker's room inside or outside the villa is of great importance in providing privacy and comfort for everyone.

Domestic Worker (Maid) Room

Usually located inside the house near the kitchen or laundry room. It should be separate from the family's bedrooms to ensure privacy for both parties. The room door should be lockable from the inside.

A common and practical design is to place the worker's room at the back of the ground floor, with a door opening to the service area (kitchen, laundry room, storage). This provides easy access to the work area while maintaining privacy.

Driver's Room

Usually located outside the main house, either attached to the exterior wall or within a separate annex. The new requirements allow opening the driver's room door to the exterior wall, provided it matches the fence design, with a door width of at least 80 centimeters.

A separate driver's room provides greater independence, allowing them to enter and exit without passing through the house. However, all necessary facilities must be provided: bathroom, air conditioning, and possibly a small refrigerator and kettle.

Sixth: The Human and Psychological Dimension

Behind every domestic worker is a human story. Someone who left their family and children in a distant country to work and send them money. Understanding this human dimension changes our perspective on how to design their housing.

Sense of Belonging

A thoughtfully designed room makes the worker feel valued and respected. This feeling positively reflects on their psychological stability and consequently on their job performance and work commitment.

Communication with Family

Providing internet (WiFi) connection in the worker's room is not a luxury in our current age. Regular communication with family through video calls relieves homesickness and improves mental health. A happy worker who feels secure about their family is more productive and loyal.

Personal Space

Allowing the worker to add some personal touches to their room, such as family photos or small plants, makes the place feel like their second home. This costs nothing but has great psychological value.

Seventh: The Investment Dimension Many Overlook

Some may think that investing in improving worker housing is an unnecessary additional cost. The truth is that this investment has tangible returns:

Job Stability

A worker comfortable in their housing is less likely to leave and search for another employer. The cost of recruiting a new worker (visa, tickets, recruitment agency fees, training period) far exceeds the cost of improving the current worker's room.

Job Performance

A worker who sleeps well in a comfortable, air-conditioned room wakes up energetic and able to perform their work efficiently. A poor room means poor sleep, and poor sleep means lower productivity and more errors.

Reputation and Relationships

Good treatment of workers spreads among the workers themselves. An employer known for good treatment finds it easier to recruit qualified workers because workers share information about good and bad employers.

Legal Protection

Compliance with regulatory requirements protects you from legal accountability in case of labor complaints. Documenting good treatment and providing adequate housing works in your favor if any dispute arises.

Eighth: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over years of dealing with villa designs, we see recurring mistakes in worker room design:

Rooms Under Stairs

Placing the worker's room in the narrow space under the stairs is a big mistake. These spaces usually have low ceilings, are cramped, poorly ventilated, and unsuitable for human habitation. Use them for storage instead.

Rooms Without Windows

Some designs place the worker's room in the center of the building without any external window. This turns it into something like a cell. Even if a window isn't possible, an effective light well or mechanical ventilation system must be provided.

Sharing Bathroom with Guests

Some families make the worker use the guest bathroom. This causes embarrassment for both parties and lacks privacy. Even if the bathroom is shared with the service area, it should be separate from guest bathrooms.

Worn-Out Furniture

Placing old, used furniture in the worker's room instead of disposing of it sends a bad message. Luxury furniture is not required, but it should be in good condition and fit for use.

Ninth: Ideal Design Model for Domestic Worker Room

Here are model specifications for a domestic worker room that meets all requirements:

Area and Dimensions

Area of 8 to 10 square meters (more than the minimum required). Suggested dimensions: 3m × 3m, or 2.5m × 4m. Ceiling height not less than 2.5 meters.

Location

In the back part of the ground floor. Near the kitchen and laundry room. Door opens to the service corridor, not to the family's private areas.

Equipment

Window with an area of at least 0.5 square meters with protective screen. Split AC unit with appropriate capacity (1 ton usually sufficient). LED ceiling lighting with control switch. Sufficient electrical outlets (at least 3). Attached bathroom of 2.5 square meters including toilet, sink, and shower.

Furniture

Single bed 90×190 cm with good mattress. Full-height wardrobe with shelves and hanging space. Bedside table with drawer. Small chair. Wall mirror.

Tenth: Ideal Design Model for Driver Room

The driver's room has different considerations due to its external location:

Area and Dimensions

Area of 10 to 12 square meters to include a small living area. Suggested dimensions: 3m × 4m. Attached bathroom of 2.5 to 3 square meters.

Location

Attached to the exterior wall near the parking area. External door opening to the street or courtyard. Completely separate from the main house to provide independence.

Additional Equipment

Small refrigerator (mini bar). Electric kettle or small microwave. Small TV (optional but useful). Small shaded outdoor seating area in front of the room.

Eleventh: Legal Framework and Worker Rights

The Domestic Workers Regulation in Saudi Arabia is clear about employer obligations:

Obligation to Provide Suitable Housing

Article Five of the Domestic Workers Regulation states that among the employer's duties is to provide suitable housing for the domestic worker. This is a regulatory obligation, not optional.

Non-Discrimination

The regulation prohibits any form of discrimination against domestic workers based on color, gender, or origin. Providing substandard housing can be considered a form of discrimination.

Complaint Channels

Domestic workers have the right to file complaints with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development through the Musaned platform or by calling 19911. Housing-related complaints are investigated and may lead to penalties for the employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum area for a domestic worker room?

According to the new Saudi Building Code requirements, the area must not be less than 6.5 square meters with a minimum width of 2.1 meters. This area does not include the bathroom.

Must a private bathroom be provided for the worker?

It's best to provide a bathroom attached to the room. If not possible, a nearby bathroom designated for the worker's use must be provided, separate from guest and family bathrooms.

Does the worker have the right to lock their room door?

Yes, the worker has the right to privacy in their room. The door should be lockable from the inside. Entry to the room should be with prior permission from the worker.

Must air conditioning be provided in the worker's room?

Given the Kingdom's climate, providing air conditioning is a necessity, not a luxury. A room without air conditioning in summer is unsuitable for human habitation.

What is the penalty for not providing suitable housing?

Penalties can reach financial fines and may affect the employer's record in the recruitment system. In severe cases, they may be prohibited from recruiting new workers.

Can more than one worker be placed in one room?

This is not recommended except in exceptional cases with workers' consent. If necessary, the space should be adequate (at least double the minimum) with privacy provided for each worker.

Conclusion

Humanizing domestic worker housing is not just a regulatory obligation but a reflection of our values as a Saudi society that values human dignity. Providing a dignified room for the domestic worker is a smart investment that benefits everyone: job stability, better performance, and a healthy relationship built on mutual respect.

When building your new villa or renovating your home, consider that every occupant of this house deserves a place befitting their dignity. A worker who feels valued will reciprocate with loyalty and dedication. This is a simple but golden equation.

We hope this guide is useful for everyone seeking to provide a humane living environment that complies with regulations. Share it with those interested in construction and design, as spreading awareness is the first step toward positive change.