The Saudi Water Authority announced an important regulatory step, which is the mandatory connection of all properties to the public sewage network, stressing that this measure comes within the framework of protecting the environment and public health, and enhancing the quality of life in the cities and residential neighborhoods of the Kingdom.

Background of the decision and its strategic importance

This decision comes as part of the major transformations underway in the Kingdom's water and environmental services sector, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. For decades, many residential areas relied on traditional drainage systems such as cesspools or septic tanks, which posed significant environmental and health challenges, most notably the potential for untreated wastewater to seep into the soil and groundwater, leading to contamination and the spread of disease. The transition to a centralized and integrated wastewater network represents a qualitative leap in urban infrastructure, aimed at addressing these challenges in a fundamental and sustainable manner.

Details of the mechanism and costs

The authority clarified that the connection fee is calculated based on clear regulations approved by the Council of Ministers in its decision dated 30/11/1441 AH. These regulations rely on precise criteria including the property classification (residential, commercial, industrial), its total area, and the required connection diameter to serve it efficiently. To facilitate the process for beneficiaries, the authority confirmed that payment can be made in a single payment after the invoice is issued, or through an approved installment plan offered by the service provider, before work commences.

Local and national impact of the decision

The mandatory connection to the sewage network is a systematic measure with multiple dimensions. At the local level, the decision contributes to eliminating unpleasant odors and sources of visual and environmental pollution in neighborhoods, thus increasing property values ​​and improving the urban landscape. At the national level, this approach supports environmental sustainability goals by enabling the treatment and reuse of wastewater for purposes such as agricultural and industrial irrigation, thereby reducing pressure on scarce freshwater resources. This measure also aligns with international standards for public health and modern urban management, and reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader in adopting best environmental practices.

Notification and technical support mechanism

To ensure that information reaches all beneficiaries, the Authority and service providers follow organized procedures that begin with notifying property owners of the service's availability in their neighborhoods through multiple channels, including SMS messages, notifications via mobile applications, the official website, and call centers. The Authority emphasized that it provides comprehensive, round-the-clock support channels through its unified call center (19913) to answer all inquiries and provide necessary assistance, thus ensuring a smooth transition to a safe and sustainable wastewater system that benefits both the community and the environment.

In a historic move reflecting growing global confidence in Saudi scientific expertise, the Joint Committee of Experts on Food Additives (JECFA) of the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization announced the appointment of Dr. Najla Al-Harbi, Head of the Chemical Hazards Department at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to its list of accredited experts. This achievement marks a significant milestone, underscoring the Kingdom's pivotal role in shaping the future of food safety standards on the international stage.

Historical context and importance of the JECFA committee

The Joint Commission on Food and Agriculture (JECFA) was established in 1956 as an independent international scientific body, operating under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations. Its primary mission is to conduct rigorous scientific assessments of the safety of food additives, contaminants, natural toxins, and veterinary drug residues in food. Its recommendations and assessments, such as the establishment of the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), form the scientific basis upon which the Codex Alimentarius Commission develops its international standards, which are adopted by the majority of countries worldwide as a regulatory framework for protecting consumer health and facilitating fair international food trade.

The strategic impact of the Kingdom's accession

The presence of a Saudi expert on this prestigious committee is not merely a personal recognition, but rather an international acknowledgment of the advanced level achieved by the Kingdom's food safety system, under the leadership of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. This membership grants the Kingdom an influential voice in the scientific discussions that shape global food policies and standards, ensuring their alignment with international best practices and safeguarding the health of citizens and residents. Regionally, this achievement reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader in food regulation, enabling it to share its expertise to support the development of regulatory systems in the region. Internationally, it enhances confidence in Saudi food products and strengthens their competitiveness in global markets.

The role of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and Vision 2030

This achievement is the culmination of the strategic efforts undertaken by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), which aim to build specialized national capabilities and develop risk assessment methodologies based on the latest scientific and technological tools. The Kingdom's representation on the JECFA committee aligns directly with the objectives of Vision 2030, particularly those related to improving quality of life, promoting public health, and building a knowledge-based economy. Through active participation in shaping international scientific decisions, the SFDA contributes to enhancing the efficiency of the national food safety system, strengthening consumer confidence, and supporting the Kingdom's food security.

Diriyah Real Estate Development Company has achieved an exceptional global milestone, receiving the prestigious Sword of Honour award from the British Safety Council after achieving a five-star rating in its comprehensive assessment of occupational health and safety systems. With this recognition, Diriyah becomes the first real estate developer in the Middle East to achieve this high international accreditation, setting a new benchmark for excellence in managing major projects.

Historical context and strategic importance

This achievement is not merely a testament to quality; it reflects the profound commitment to a project of immense historical and cultural significance. Diriyah, known as the “Jewel of the Kingdom,” is the birthplace of the first Saudi state and home to the historic At-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Diriyah Development Project is a key initiative within Saudi Vision 2030 , aiming to transform this historic site into a leading global cultural and tourist destination. Amidst a massive construction undertaking encompassing integrated infrastructure, world-class hotels, museums, and entertainment facilities, implementing the highest safety standards is not an option but a strategic imperative to safeguard the project's human and material heritage.

Assessment details and excellence criteria

Achieving the five-star rating and the Sword of Honour award was no easy feat. Diriyah Health Services Company underwent a rigorous audit by the British Safety Council. The assessment involved a detailed review of over 50 key elements within the company's health and safety management system. This included examining policies and procedures, conducting interviews with executives, employees, and stakeholders, and performing on-site assessments of operational activities. The assessment compares the company's performance to global best practices, confirming that Diriyah's safety systems meet, and even exceed, international standards.

Local, regional and international impact

Domestically, this achievement reinforces a culture of safety within the Saudi construction sector and sets a benchmark for other major projects aligned with Vision 2030. It also supports the goals of protecting human capital and empowering national talent by providing safe and sustainable work environments. Regionally, this recognition enhances the Kingdom's reputation as a leading center for the efficient and responsible execution of mega-projects. Internationally, this acclaim sends a powerful message to investors, partners, and tourists worldwide that the Diriyah project is built on a solid foundation of quality, sustainability, and a commitment to human safety, further enhancing its appeal as a world-class investment and tourism destination.

Figures reflect commitment

This commitment is embodied in managing a complex work environment with an average workforce of approximately 50,000 employees and operating more than 2,500 pieces of heavy equipment across various development areas. The company has achieved a remarkably low, recordable incident rate of 0.017 on its infrastructure projects, a figure that reflects the effectiveness of its safety system. In this context, Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Group , emphasized that occupational safety is a fundamental pillar of all project operations, not merely an operational priority, noting that this recognition reflects the company's unwavering commitment to establishing leading standards in risk management.