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Updating the regulations for water services: New requirements

New updates to the regulation of water services in Saudi Arabia aim to achieve a balance between urban development and the protection of the urban fabric with modern technical standards.

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New regulations for spatial planning of water services activities in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs in Saudi Arabia has announced updated regulations aimed at organizing the spatial planning of water service provision activities. This update comes as part of efforts to balance urban development requirements with the preservation of the urban fabric of Saudi cities.

Modern technical and organizational standards

The ministry explained that the new regulations were developed based on modern technical and organizational standards, taking into account the specific nature of the activity and its location within the urban fabric of cities. This aims to ensure that water-related services are compatible with environmental and urban considerations.

Multiple activities included in the update

The update encompasses a range of activities, such as desalination and water purification plants, to ensure they are regulated within a clear framework. This framework aims to enhance compliance with applicable regulations and improve the efficiency of facilities associated with these activities.

Compliance and effectiveness: This step seeks to improve compliance with regulations and increase the effectiveness of facilities, contributing to the development of water infrastructure in a sustainable and balanced manner with the urban environment.

The Saudi News Network first launched on Twitter via its official account, @SaudiNews50, and quickly became one of the Kingdom's leading independent news sources, thanks to its fast and reliable coverage of major local and international events. Due to the growing trust of its followers, the network expanded by launching its website, a comprehensive news platform offering regularly updated content in the fields of politics, economics, health, education, and national events, presented in a professional style that meets the public's expectations. The network strives to enhance public awareness and provide accurate information in a timely manner through on-the-ground reporting, in-depth analysis, and a specialized editorial team, making it a trusted source for anyone seeking up-to-the-minute Saudi news.

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Public Transport Authority: 90,000 violations recorded and vehicles impounded in January

The Public Transport Authority announced that it recorded 90,000 violations during January after conducting 437,000 inspections. Learn about the areas with the highest number of violations and the most prominent infractions observed.

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Public Transport Authority: 90,000 violations recorded and vehicles impounded in January

As part of its intensive efforts to regulate the transport and logistics sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Public Transport Authority the results of its field inspection campaigns for the month of January, which resulted in the detection of 90,000 various violations, after carrying out more than 437,000 accurate inspection operations that included land, sea and rail transport activities in various regions of the Kingdom.

Details of monitoring campaigns and compliance indicators

Official statistics released by the authority revealed that the land transport sector accounted for the largest share of inspections, with 430,000 inspections carried out, achieving a compliance rate of 93%. In contrast, the maritime transport sector saw 7,574 inspections conducted with a high compliance rate of 99%, while rail transport achieved a perfect 100% compliance rate across 95 inspection rounds, reflecting a strong commitment to safety standards in this vital sector.

Geographical distribution of violations and the most prominent transgressions

The data revealed that the Makkah region topped the list of regions with the highest number of recorded violations, at 30,000, followed by the Riyadh region with 24,000 violations, and then the Eastern Province with 11,000 violations. Madinah came in fourth place with 6,000 violations, and Asir with 4,000 violations. The violations observed varied, with the most prominent being:

  • Failure to meet the necessary safety requirements for vehicles.
  • Engaging in transportation activities without obtaining the necessary licenses.
  • Using private vehicles for transportation (buses) in an irregular manner.
  • Working with cancelled or expired operating cards.

The inspection teams dealt firmly with these violations, as 1,045 vehicles that did not comply with the technical requirements and applicable regulations were impounded.

Context of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy

These intensive campaigns are an integral part of the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy , stemming from the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to solidify the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub. Through these campaigns, the Public Transport Authority works to ensure a safe and reliable transport environment and enhance operational efficiency to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

The importance of oversight and its impact on the sector

These regulatory efforts are of paramount importance on both economic and social levels. They contribute to fostering fair competition among licensed establishments and protect legitimate investors from unfair competition resulting from unregulated transportation. Furthermore, increased compliance rates positively impact the quality of services provided to beneficiaries and reduce traffic accidents caused by a lack of safety measures, thus enhancing the overall quality of life in Saudi cities.

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SRMG explores media cooperation with the Qatar Media Corporation in Riyadh

SRMG in Riyadh welcomed Sheikh Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Thani from the Qatar Media Corporation. The two sides discussed digital cooperation, content development, and a tour of Arabic and Middle Eastern manga.

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SRMG explores media cooperation with the Qatar Media Corporation in Riyadh

In a move reflecting the depth of fraternal relations and the shared desire to develop the media landscape in the region, the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) received at its headquarters in Riyadh His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Advisor at the Qatar Media Corporation, and his accompanying delegation, which included a number of prominent leaders in media institutions in the State of Qatar.

The Qatari delegation was received by Ms. Jumana Al-Rashid, CEO of the Saudi Research and Media Group, along with several senior executives from the group. The visit included a packed program, featuring a tour of several of the group's leading media outlets. The delegation was briefed on the operations of Asharq Al-Awsat, a leading international Arabic newspaper, and learned about its editorial processes and the technologies used in its newsroom.

The tour also included a special visit to the headquarters of Manga Arabia, an ambitious project aimed at enriching Arabic creative content for younger generations. The delegation received a detailed explanation of Manga Arabia's strategy for producing comics in a style that respects local culture while adhering to international standards, and its role in promoting creative industries in the Kingdom and the region.

This visit is particularly significant given the major transformations taking place in the media industry globally and regionally. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in digital innovation and the exchange of expertise. The guests were briefed on SRMG's digital transformation strategy, which aims to redefine the media landscape by adopting the latest artificial intelligence and data analytics technologies to deliver high-quality content that resonates with diverse audience interests.

This meeting comes amidst a vibrant media movement in the Gulf region, where major media institutions in Saudi Arabia and Qatar are striving to unify their visions and integrate their efforts to address the challenges of the digital age. Such visits are a cornerstone for opening new avenues for partnerships that extend beyond traditional news coverage to include impactful content creation and co-production.

The visit concluded with both sides affirming their keenness to maintain communication and develop media relations in a way that serves common interests and contributes to raising the professional standards of media work in the region, in line with the ambitious development aspirations of the two brotherly countries.

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The Governor of Riyadh hands over housing units donated by the Crown Prince worth one billion riyals

The Governor of Riyadh sponsors the handover ceremony of housing units to eligible families as part of the Crown Prince’s donation initiative of one billion riyals, in support of developmental housing programs and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

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The Governor of Riyadh hands over housing units donated by the Crown Prince worth one billion riyals

In a significant development event reflecting the wise leadership's commitment to providing a dignified life for citizens, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, presided over the ceremony for handing over ownership documents for housing units to eligible families in the region. This achievement culminates the major humanitarian initiative and generous donation of one billion riyals from His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, from his personal funds, which was allocated to support the charitable sector and secure suitable housing for the most needy families in the Kingdom.

The ceremony, organized by the National Housing Development Foundation "Sakan" at the Qasr Al-Hukm Palace, showcased the project's journey of achievement, characterized by exemplary execution standards. These projects were completed in accordance with the directives of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who mandated their completion within a short period not exceeding 12 months. This timeframe was achieved thanks to the combined efforts of Saudi nationals and the reliance on qualified Saudi companies, highlighting the efficiency of the Saudi private sector and its ability to respond swiftly to development requirements while adhering to the highest standards of quality and construction sustainability.

This step is of paramount strategic importance within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the housing program, which aims to increase homeownership rates among citizens. This initiative serves as a prime example of integration between the public and non-profit sectors, as the Kingdom seeks to empower the third sector to be an effective contributor to the GDP and a driver of social development by providing sustainable housing solutions for vulnerable groups, thereby strengthening the social safety net.

In his address during the event, the Governor of Riyadh expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, for their profound concern for the needs of the citizens. He affirmed that the Riyadh region is witnessing comprehensive development aimed at strengthening family stability, and congratulated the beneficiaries on their new homes, which were designed to meet the needs of Saudi families and provide them with a safe and stable living environment.

For his part, His Excellency the Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the "Sakan" Foundation, Mr. Majid Al-Hogail, expressed his appreciation for the unlimited support from the leadership and the follow-up of the Governor of Riyadh, noting that the Foundation continues its work through the "Jood Housing" platform to deliver successive batches of housing units. Al-Hogail explained that these units have undergone rigorous technical testing in line with the objectives of the "Quality of Life" program, ensuring that the concept goes beyond simply providing shelter to creating fully integrated residential communities.

The role played by the "Jood Housing" platform and the "Sakan" Foundation is pivotal in the governance of charitable giving in the Kingdom, as these platforms ensure that support is directed to those who deserve it with complete transparency and reliability. This institutional approach contributes to strengthening the values ​​of social solidarity and transforming housing support from mere temporary aid into sustainable development solutions that contribute to the economic and social stability of beneficiary families, which positively impacts the fabric and cohesion of Saudi society.

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