In a strategic move aimed at regulating and developing the environmental services market in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in cooperation with the National Center for Environmental Compliance, announced the launch of the “Athar” platform for freelancers. This platform, part of the Professional Accreditation Initiative, is the first regulatory framework of its kind enabling individuals to practice environmental freelance work in a certified and official manner, opening new horizons for Saudi specialists and supporting the national transformation towards a green economy.

National context and future vision

The launch of the “Athar” platform cannot be viewed as an isolated event, but rather as an integral part of the major transformations the Kingdom is undergoing within the framework of Vision 2030. The Vision seeks to diversify income sources and reduce dependence on oil, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Initiatives such as “Green Saudi Arabia” and “Green Middle East” are fundamental pillars of this direction, aiming to improve the quality of life and protect the environment for future generations. Hence, the “Athar” platform serves as an implementation tool that translates these aspirations into tangible reality by building a qualified national workforce capable of leading the environmental services sector.

Launch details and first phase

The platform's launch ceremony was attended by high-level officials, including the Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor, Dr. Abdullah Abu Thnein, and the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Mansour Al-Mashiti, reflecting the importance the government places on this project. As a first step, 99 licenses were issued to accredited environmental practitioners who will begin their careers by providing environmental management plan (EMP) services for low-impact facilities, such as auto repair shops, in collaboration with the private sector.

Expected economic and social impact

The official spokesperson for the National Center for Environmental Compliance, Saad Al-Mutrafi, explained that the platform serves a vast market of over 50,000 establishments, making it a promising economic market. Opening this field to individuals will directly contribute to supporting localization efforts and creating quality job opportunities for citizens in a specialized and in-demand sector. It will also raise the overall level of environmental compliance in the Kingdom, as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be able to access certified environmental services at competitive prices, thus enhancing their sustainability and reducing their environmental footprint.

A look to the future

The platform's development plans don't stop there, with the next phase scheduled for launch in the second quarter of this year. This phase will involve training a new cohort of environmental practitioners through specialized programs implemented in collaboration with several leading Saudi universities. These academic partnerships aim to ensure the quality of the outputs and provide the market with highly qualified professionals capable of delivering comprehensive consulting services across multiple environmental fields, extending beyond simply preparing plans to include periodic reports and environmental audits.

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.

Amr Adib referred to trial in his dispute with Mortada Mansour

The competent investigative authorities in the Agouza district of Cairo have ordered the referral of prominent Egyptian media figure Amr Adib to the appropriate court, in the latest development in his ongoing legal and media dispute with Mortada Mansour, the former president of Zamalek Sporting Club. This referral stems from accusations leveled by Mansour against Adib, including slander, defamation, and misuse of social media, opening a new chapter in one of the most controversial cases in Egyptian circles.

Background to the long conflict between Adib and Mansour

This conflict was not a spontaneous outburst, but rather the latest in a long series of tensions and confrontations between the two figures, both known for their combative styles. Amr Adib is one of the most prominent media personalities in Egypt and the Arab world, while Mortada Mansour is a controversial figure who has combined law, politics, and long tenure as president of Zamalek Sporting Club. For years, their relationship has been marked by media and legal skirmishes, the most recent of which occurred in April 2024 when the Economic Court acquitted Mansour in a defamation lawsuit filed against him by Adib, paving the way for a new round of conflict.

The spark of the latest crisis: Zamalek Club's land

The dispute escalated sharply in August 2023 when the issue of withdrawing a plot of land allocated to Zamalek Club in 6th of October City arose. Amr Adib used his popular program "Al-Hekaya" on MBC Egypt to launch a scathing attack on Mortada Mansour, holding him responsible for the loss of the land, which was intended for a new branch of the club. Adib accused Mansour of filing a report that led to the land being withdrawn, describing this action as "a stab in the back for the club's future.".

Fiery statements and media escalation

Adib didn't stop at mere criticism; he used harsh language in the August 29, 2023 episode, stating that "Mortada Mansour is an idea that must die," and describing his tenure as a "council of ruin." He also accused him of harboring "deep-seated resentment" towards the current board of directors, headed by Hussein Labib. These statements sparked a storm of controversy, prompting Mansour to respond forcefully on his social media platforms.

The battle moves to the courts

In response to Adib's attack, Mortada Mansour announced that he had filed 40 reports with the Public Prosecutor against the media personality, accusing him of slander, defamation, and libel. He also submitted a formal complaint to the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, considering what was said on the program to be a "death threat" and a violation of the media code of ethics. For his part, Amr Adib did not remain silent; on September 2, 2023, he filed a report against Mansour on the same charges. After investigating the reports submitted by Mansour, the Public Prosecutor decided to summon Adib, ultimately leading to his referral to trial on October 13, 2023.

The importance and expected impact of the issue

This case is particularly significant because it represents more than just a personal dispute; it reflects the complex intersections between media, sports, and law in Egypt. Observers believe the verdict in this case could reshape the boundaries of freedom of expression and media criticism of public figures. It also casts a shadow over Zamalek Sporting Club, whose current board is striving for stability and distancing itself from the conflicts that have long been associated with its former president. As the battle moves to the courtroom, Egyptian circles are watching with great interest the outcome of this legal confrontation between two of the country's most prominent public figures.