The Riyadh Region Municipality has issued a circular to engineering and consulting offices banning the use of aluminium composite panels (cladding) in the design and finishing of building facades, to strengthen urban identity and comply with the Riyadh urban identity guide. The decision changed how owners and designers think about facades, especially for commercial buildings used to cladding for its speed and modern look. So what are the alternatives to facade cladding? And how do you choose the right material for your project in terms of appearance, cost, safety and maintenance? This guide offers a practical comparison of the most common materials, selection criteria, and how to deal with existing buildings.
Comparing the Most Common Facade Materials
| Material | Appearance | Advantages | What to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural stone | Luxurious and natural | Long life, consistent with local identity | Weight, fixing method and workmanship |
| GRC (glass-fibre reinforced concrete) | Allows shapes and patterns | Flexible forming, lighter than stone | Manufacturing quality, fixing and joints |
| Facade porcelain | Contemporary with many finishes | Stain resistance and easy cleaning | Suitable mechanical fixing systems |
| Textured render and paints | Simple and earthy | Lower cost, suits Najdi and Salmani styles | Regular maintenance and paint quality |
Which Material for Which Building?
| Building type | Options that usually suit |
|---|---|
| Residential villa | Textured render with stone on selected elements |
| Residential-commercial building | Stone or porcelain on the ground floor and render on upper floors |
| Office building or showroom | Stone or porcelain on mechanical fixing systems, and GRC for details |
| Renovating an existing facade | Depends on the wall's condition and its capacity to carry the cladding weight |
Selection Criteria
- Requirements: the material's fit with the city's urban identity. Read: Salmani architecture and The Najdi style.
- Fire safety: in 2016 the ministry banned non-fire-resistant cladding panels in new projects, and safety is a core criterion for any material. Read: The fire protection code.
- Climate: heat, dust and thermal expansion.
- Fixing: most facade problems are caused by fixing, not the material.
- Weight and structure: heavy stone needs a check of the walls' and frame's capacity.
- Maintenance over the years.
Fixing: Where Problems Start or End
- Mechanical fixing with brackets and clips in corrosion-resistant materials for tall buildings and large panels.
- Planned expansion joints to prevent cracking.
- Waterproofing and thermal insulation behind the cladding.
- A detailed facade drawing setting panel sizes and joint positions.
Have an Existing Building With Cladding?
The circular directs offices not to include cladding in designs. For existing buildings, consult the office before any facade renovation to find the right route. Read: Renovating a building facade. For shops: Shop facades and signage.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing a material from a picture without a real sample under the site's sun.
- Fixing stone with mortar alone at high levels.
- Neglecting expansion joints.
- Using interior porcelain instead of dedicated facade porcelain.
- Renovating the facade without a permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the cladding ban cover all of Riyadh?
The circular was issued by the Riyadh Region Municipality to engineering offices; check the instructions in force and how they apply to your project.
What is the most economical alternative?
Usually textured render and paints, with regular maintenance.
Is GRC safe?
When correctly manufactured and fixed; ask for the manufacturer's specifications and the fixing method.
Can porcelain withstand Riyadh's heat?
Dedicated facade porcelain with a mechanical fixing system and suitable joints withstands the climate.
Does the municipality review facade materials?
Yes, as part of the urban identity requirements. Read: What does the municipality review in architectural drawings?.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that designs facades with materials consistent with urban identity, prepares detailed cladding and fixing drawings, and obtains facade renovation permits. Learn about our facade design services, or Details of how we can help are on our Interior Design service page. contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.