New environmental requirements for construction projects in Riyadh and fines for violators
In a significant regulatory step aimed at balancing rapid urban development with environmental protection, the National Center for Environmental Compliance, in cooperation with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, announced the launch of 19 specific requirements to control dust emissions from construction work in the capital. These stringent measures, which include fines of up to 50,000 riyals for each violation, are part of an effort to improve air quality and protect public health.
A broader context within Vision 2030
These new requirements fall within the broader context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which has launched an unprecedented wave of major development and construction projects across the country, particularly in Riyadh. With this tremendous growth, pressing environmental challenges have emerged, most notably air pollution from particulate matter (dust) generated by excavation, construction, and transportation activities. Therefore, government agencies are working to implement international environmental standards to ensure that this development boom is sustainable, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative, which places environmental sustainability at the heart of its future plans.
Details of the requirements and their expected impact
The center's official spokesperson, Saad Al-Mutrafi, explained that these procedures will initially be implemented in Riyadh for all construction projects exceeding 2,000 square meters. Key requirements include obligating contractors to use dust suppressants and conduct daily water spraying at work sites, and ensuring that trucks transporting materials are securely covered to prevent dust from becoming airborne while traveling through the city streets.
Among the advanced technical measures implemented is the installation of air quality monitoring devices at project sites and their direct connection to the center's unified platform. This connection allows regulatory bodies to monitor dust emission levels in real time, enabling them to intervene swiftly when permissible limits are exceeded. Projects are also required to submit periodic reports on their environmental performance, reinforcing the principles of transparency and accountability.
Local and regional importance
Locally, these regulations are expected to lead to a tangible improvement in air quality in Riyadh, reducing air pollution-related health problems such as respiratory illnesses and allergies, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Regionally and internationally, this step reflects Saudi Arabia's serious commitment to addressing environmental challenges and implementing global best practices. It also positions the Kingdom as a leader in sustainable urban development, offering a model for other countries in the region experiencing similar urban development booms, demonstrating that economic growth can go hand in hand with environmental preservation.
