19 officers to oversee infrastructure projects in Riyadh... Full details

In a strategic move aimed at reshaping the construction sector in the Saudi capital, the Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center has released, via the "Istilaa" platform, a draft of 19 new regulatory controls. These controls aim to regulate the work of entities authorized to undertake infrastructure projects, seeking to strengthen oversight, raise compliance and transparency levels, and ensure that projects are implemented according to the highest international technical and professional standards.

The context of urban transformation in Riyadh

These regulatory measures come at a time when Riyadh is experiencing an unprecedented urban renaissance and massive expansion as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to make Riyadh one of the top 10 city economies in the world. The infrastructure sector has previously suffered from challenges related to overlapping jurisdictions and duplication of work, necessitating the establishment of a unified entity (the Infrastructure Projects Center) to regulate these operations. These new regulations complement the ongoing development of the sector's legislative environment, ensuring the sustainability of projects and enhancing the urban landscape.

Details of the controls and powers of the owning entities

According to the proposed draft, the center issues "Infrastructure Project Work Permits" in the Riyadh region to various entities (owners, supervisors, and implementers). The regulations grant the owner broad powers, most notably:

• Registering and reviewing the projects in the detailed master plan.
• Submitting applications for business licenses.
• Request to register or suspend business operators.
• Organizing project pathways with special requirements.

The regulations also obliged the owning entity to ensure the competence of the contractors, quality laboratories, and consulting offices registered with the center, and to bear full responsibility for monitoring licenses until their closure.

Expected impact: Quality of life and spending efficiency

These regulations are expected to have a tangible positive impact on both the local and economic levels. Locally, stricter regulations will help reduce visual pollution caused by haphazard construction and shorten street closures, directly benefiting the "Quality of Life" program. Economically, clear procedures and better governance of the relationship between stakeholders (owner, contractor, consultant) will enhance the efficiency of capital spending and attract foreign investment to the construction sector, as international companies always seek a well-regulated and transparent business environment.

Roles of business implementers and quality laboratories

Article Nine established the regulatory framework for contractors (workers), obligating them to ensure proper execution, adherence to procedures, and the application of licenses well in advance of commencement. Regarding quality, Article Ten stipulated the issuance of permits to quality laboratories to conduct accurate tests and measurements, requiring them to submit periodic reports demonstrating the conformity of the work to international standards.

Monitoring and conflict resolution

To ensure compliance, Article 17 empowers the Center to monitor the implementation of the regulations, while Article 18 prohibits impersonating a "licensed" entity by those who do not possess the required permit, imposing statutory fines. Regarding dispute resolution, Article 15 mandates the Center to settle disputes amicably between parties within 30 days before resorting to the competent courts. These provisions are scheduled to take effect 60 days after their publication in the Official Gazette, superseding any conflicting previous provisions.