Overview

The Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Centre (the "Centre"), established by virtue of Council of Ministers Resolution No. 902 of 1444H, represents a significant stride towards modernizing and enhancing the infrastructure of Riyadh City. Established with a clear vision and defined objectives, this Centre is poised to play a crucial role in the urban development of Saudi Arabia's capital. This article delves into the establishment regulation of the Centre, focusing on its reporting entity, the scope of infrastructure projects it oversees, its mandates, and its collaborative role with other government entities.

The Centre operates under the auspices of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City ("RCRC"). This affiliation ensures that the Centre's activities are aligned with the broader urban development and planning objectives set forth by the RCRC, providing a strategic oversight that is crucial for the holistic development of Riyadh's infrastructure.

Scope of Infrastructure Projects

The Centre is tasked with overseeing a wide array of infrastructure projects within the administrative boundaries of Riyadh. These projects encompass essential services and facilities, including telecommunications, energy, water, sewage, and roads. The Centre's mandate extends to both government and private sector projects, as well as major projects that intersect with or are related to the realm of infrastructure development.

Centre's Mandates

The Centre is endowed with a comprehensive set of mandates that enable it to fulfil its objectives efficiently. These include:

• Proposing and amending regulations and bylaws relevant to its operations and the nature of infrastructure projects it oversees.
• Developing detailed master plans, programs, and schedules for infrastructure projects, ensuring their alignment with the city's overall development goals.
• Issuing, withdrawing, or suspending licenses for infrastructure projects and collecting associated fees and financial dues.
• Monitoring and inspecting infrastructure projects to ensure compliance with established standards and regulations.
• Establishing a platform for gathering, managing, and sharing data and information related to infrastructure projects.

Regulatory Framework

Further to the Centre's powers in relation to issuing licenses for infrastructure projects, the Centre's Board of Directors issued Decision No. 11 of 1445H on the Licensing, Monitoring and Compliance Controls for Infrastructure Projects in Riyadh ("Controls"). Such Controls establish a clear set of definitions, licensing requirements, monitoring mechanisms, penalties for violations, and procedures for appeals. It also mandates that all infrastructure projects in Riyadh must obtain a license from the Centre, detailing the process for application, renewal, and the imposition of fees. It underscores the Centre's authority in ensuring projects adhere to specified standards, through regular monitoring and enforcement actions, including financial penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the Controls allow for the outsourcing of monitoring and inspection tasks to the private sector, highlighting an integrated approach to managing and overseeing infrastructure development in Riyadh. This regulatory framework is pivotal in promoting compliance, safety, and quality in infrastructure projects, reflecting the Centre's commitment to upholding high standards in the Riyadh's development initiatives.

Collaboration with Other Government Entities

A significant aspect of the Centre's operation is its collaborative approach with other government entities. The Centre acts on behalf of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing and the Riyadh Municipality, assuming responsibilities and powers related to infrastructure projects within Riyadh. This collaborative framework ensures a coordinated effort in the planning, execution, and management of infrastructure projects, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency.