Environmental regulations, rules, and guidelines in Saudi Arabia: Facilities Directory 2026

Environmental regulations in Saudi Arabia define the responsibilities and requirements that must be considered when establishing a project, operating a facility, or implementing an expansion that may result in an environmental impact.The facility does not rely on the environmental system alone; it is integrated with the executive regulations, guidelines, environmental permit requirements, and sectoral or local requirements applicable to the activity and location.

This guide explains the difference between these references, presents the most important regulations and guidelines related to the facilities, and then provides a practical approach to determining what applies to each project. It focuses on the references most relevant to permits, compliance, monitoring and environmental auditing, and is not an exhaustive list of all environmental legislation or a binding systematic interpretation.

Quick answer: What environmental reference should the facility start with?

Understanding begins with Understanding begins with As the general regulatory framework, the implementing regulations related to the activity and its sources of influence are then reviewed. Following this, guidelines are used to determine the methodology for preparing the study, plan, or report, While the environmental permit clarifies the specific requirements of the facility itself.

Practical summary The system sets the framework, the regulations detail the implementing provisions, the guidelines explain the technical methodology, and the permit specifies the obligations according to the entity's circumstances. Therefore, a single document or a general list is insufficient for making a compliance decision.

Environmental system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Environment Law was issued by Royal Decree No. (M/165) dated 19/11/1441 AH, corresponding to 10 July 2020 AD, based on Cabinet Resolution No. (729) dated 16/11/1441 AH. The Saudi legislation platform displays the system as "valid" at the time of review.

The system provides the essential framework for environmental protection and conservation, pollution prevention and degradation reduction, regulation of activities with environmental impact, and promotion of the sustainable use of natural resources. Some of the topics it regulates include:

• Protecting the air, water, soil, and marine and coastal environment.
• Regulating environmental activities and activities that may result in an environmental impact.
• Obtain the necessary environmental permits or licenses where applicable.
• Compliance with environmental standards, criteria and requirements.
• Inspection, auditing, monitoring and environmental reporting.
• Preparedness and response to environmental emergencies and disasters.
• Rehabilitating degraded sites and treating contaminated sites.
• Controlling environmental violations and imposing penalties in accordance with regulatory procedures.
• Licensing environmental service providers and defining their professional responsibilities.
• Protecting biodiversity and areas of environmental importance.

However, the system does not set identical requirements for every facility. A food factory, a gas station, a road project, and a coastal facility may be subject to different requirements due to differences in operations, location, emissions, discharges, waste, and risks.

What is the difference between a system, a regulation, a guide, and an environmental permit?

The problem arises when an organization treats these documents as interchangeable. A report may be identical to a technical manual, but it remains incomplete if it fails to address a specific requirement in the permit. The facility may be bound by a general limit, but its location or sector is subject to a more specific requirement.

The most important executive regulations related to establishments and projects

The environmental system comprises several regulations. The following are the regulations most relevant to permits, operation, and environmental monitoring of facilities, with the emphasis on referring to the current version and any officially published amended decisions or schedules.

Executive Regulations for Environmental Permits for Establishing and Operating Activities

It regulates the classification of activities and the environmental permitting requirements for construction, operation, and any related renovations, modifications, or expansions. The nature of the activity and the extent of its impact influence the type of information, studies, and plans required.

This regulation is practically linked to determining the environmental category, preparing technical data, developing an environmental management plan or environmental impact assessment study where applicable, and reviewing changes before implementation. Further information is available. issuing and renewing environmental permits in Saudi Arabia. To understand the practical process and prepare the file without converting this article into a service page.

Executive Regulations for Environmental Inspection and Auditing

Inspection, auditing, and verification processes are organized to ensure that facilities comply with environmental regulations, permit requirements, standards, and applicable conditions. This means that readiness is not achieved by simply having files; Rather, there is a correlation between the documents and the operational reality.

Professional readiness includes reviewing the permit, records, measurement results, service provider contracts, materials and waste management, documentation of non-conformities, and follow-up on corrective and preventive actions up to closure.

Executive regulations for controlling violations and imposing penalties

Procedures are established for identifying, documenting, reviewing, and imposing penalties for violations. Their importance is evident when receiving an oversight observation, discovering a case of non-compliance, preparing a corrective action plan, or reviewing readiness prior to inspection.

Fine amounts should not be copied from an old article or archived schedule, as schedules of violations and penalties may be amended by subsequent decisions. The correct reference is the official text in effect at the time of the incident or review.

Air Quality Executive Regulations

It is related to protecting air quality and monitoring ambient air and emissions from stationary sources and various processes, in addition to dust and odors when requirements apply. The application begins by identifying the actual emission sources, related pollutants, measurement points, and operating conditions that must be documented.

The list of pollutants or measurement frequency is not chosen from a standardized model; rather, it is chosen according to the activity, source, permit conditions, applicable reference limits, and the nature of the area and surrounding receivers.

Executive regulations for protecting aquatic environments from pollution

It addresses the protection of surface water, groundwater, and aquatic environments from sources of pollution, discharges, and impactful activities. Its applications may include reviewing drainage points, treatment systems, sampling sites, analysis results, and risks of seepage into groundwater.

When interpreting the results, the type of water, the nature of the discharge, the receiving party, the intended use, and the permit conditions must be specified. A valid comparison is impossible without a suitable case reference.

Executive Regulations for the Prevention and Treatment of Soil Pollution

It focuses on preventing soil pollution, monitoring sources of leakage, stopping the source of pollution and limiting its spread, maintaining records, and taking remedial measures when needed. Their importance increases in areas where fuel and chemicals are stored, loading and unloading sites, docks, tanks and transport lines.

The result of a single sample is not sufficient to judge an entire site; the inspection program must be based on the site's history, potential sources of pollution, pollutant transport pathways, geological and hydrogeological characteristics.

Noise Implementation Regulations

The application defines the controls and standards related to environmental noise levels, their monitoring, and mitigation. This includes identifying sources, selecting measurement locations and times, documenting operating and weather conditions, And studying the residential or sensitive futures around the project

The result is interpreted according to the classification of the region, time period, and operating conditions, and not by reading the measurement device number in isolation from the context.

Executive Regulations for the Controls of Preparing and Implementing Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans

It organizes the preparation and implementation of self-plans for dealing with accidents and emergencies that may cause an environmental impact. The plan should be based on realistic scenarios such as spills, leaks, fires, or treatment system failures, with clearly defined responsibilities, communication routes, equipment, containment and recovery procedures, training, and exercises.

A good plan is site-specific and feasible. A general plan that doesn't reflect actual materials, processes, resources, and figures may not help the team in the event of an incident.

Executive Regulations for Environmental Rehabilitation of Degraded Sites and Treatment of Contaminated Sites

It organizes the assessment of degraded or contaminated sites, prepares and implements rehabilitation or treatment plans, and monitors their results. The work may include studying the environmental history of the site, examining the soil or groundwater, building a conceptual model of the site, assessing risks, comparing treatment alternatives, and verifying that their objectives have been met.

The scope of work varies depending on the pollutants, their transmission routes, the area affected, and the current and future uses of the site; therefore, one plan is not suitable for all sites.

Executive Regulations for the Sustainable Management of the Marine and Coastal Environment

It is related to projects and activities that may affect marine waters, coasts and associated habitats, such as marine discharges, dredging and reclamation works, coastal construction and spills.

Important organizational update: The decision to approve the update of this regulation was published in the Umm Al-Qura newspaper on August 21, 2026. The decision stipulated that the updated version would replace the previous regulation and its schedule of violations and penalties. Therefore, any marine or coastal project should refer to Official Update Decision AndText of the updated regulations Before adopting the scope of the study or commitment plan.

Executive Regulations for Ozone-Depleting Substances and Hydrofluorocarbons

It regulates the handling of covered materials and everything related to their import, export, trade, or use, in accordance with applicable requirements. This is relevant to establishments that use refrigerants or controlled substances; This requires specifying the type of material, quantities, use, suppliers, records, storage and handling practices, and safe retrieval when needed.

Executive Regulations for Environmental Service Providers and Financial Compensation Regulations

The Environmental Service Providers Regulations govern licensing, classification, scope of work, qualification requirements, and professional responsibilities. It is not enough for the service provider to be a “commissioned environmental consultant” in general; rather, the validity and scope of the license must be verified in relation to the required service.

The financial compensation schedule relates to the fees set for licenses, permits, and environmental services. Government fees should be verified with the relevant authority upon submission, and should not be assumed to be included in the consultant's fees unless the financial offer clearly states so.

Environmental guidelines: Why do they matter to the facility?

The guidelines transform general requirements into a methodology that facilitates the preparation of a study, plan, or report in a revisable manner. References can be made to National Center for Environmental Compliance Guidelines Library To check the available copies.

However, the guide should not be treated as a substitute for the regulation or permit. The guide may outline the reporting structure, while the permit mandates specific indicators, measurement sites, or periodicity for the facility.

Guide to preparing environmental impact assessment studies

It helps organize the project and site description, baseline studies, identify sources of impact, assess effects and alternatives, develop prevention and mitigation measures, and prepare an environmental management and monitoring plan. The study must be tailored to the project and its location; it is not enough to change the name of an establishment within a study prepared for another activity or location.

When the study is required, this guide can be linked to a methodology. Environmental impact assessment and environmental audit studies To understand the difference between a pre-implementation project evaluation and an audit of an existing facility.

Inspection Guide and Environmental Audit Studies

It supports defining the scope and criteria of the audit, reviewing the permit and records, conducting the site visit, documenting evidence, classifying non-conformities, and developing corrective actions. The true value of an audit is not in the number of pages of the report, but in its ability to reveal the difference between what is required and what is implemented, and to give management clear priorities.

Guidelines for preparing and implementing environmental monitoring reports

In May 2024, the center announced the release of a guide aimed at improving the efficiency of environmental monitoring reporting, covering data collection, analysis, evaluation, report coordination, and source documentation. The center’s environmental monitoring reporting service links the preparation of the report with licensed service providers and the permit requirements.

A good report begins by reviewing the permit conditions and defining the scope of monitoring, then documenting the measurement sites, samples, units, methods and reference used, analyzing trends and excesses, and proposing actionable corrective actions. The page explains Preparing environmental monitoring reports The elements of the artistic scope are broader.

Emergency, rehabilitation and marine pollution response guidelines

These guidelines help to translate requirements into scenarios, plans, and field procedures. This may include identifying sources of danger, response levels, equipment, isolation points, sensitive receptors, reporting pathways, exercise plans, and a post-incident assessment mechanism.

In marine files, there may be additional evidence of self-regulation plans for combating marine pollution, the readiness of spill-sensitive facilities, and controls for the use of dispersants. A decision to use a particular response method should not be made generally without a technical and organizational assessment of the incident.

Evidence of permits, certificate of compliance, and professional accreditation

The guides for issuing and renewing permits help in understanding the procedural path and organizing technical data and documents. Compliance certification evidence supports the analysis of readiness, organization of evidence, and non-conformities, while professional accreditation evidence focuses on the qualifications, experience, and documentation associated with individuals working in environmental fields.

Completing the file does not guarantee the issuance of a permit or certificate; review, approval, and the final decision are the responsibility of the official authority.

Do all environmental regulations apply to every facility?

No. Applicable criteria are determined after analyzing the facility itself, not simply by selecting a regulation name from a list. Key elements of the analysis include:

• Recorded activity and actual activity within the site.
• Products, production capacity, and operating hours.
• Raw materials, chemicals, fuels, and methods of storing them.
• Project phase: planning, building, operating, expanding, or closing.
• Sources of emission include dust, odors, noise, and vibration.
• Water uses, drainage points, and treatment systems.
• Types of waste, quantities, and management methods.
• The possibility of soil or groundwater contamination.
• Proximity to population centers or sensitive areas and habitats.
• Current environmental permit conditions and results of previous reports and inspections.
• Planned modifications or expansions.
• Requirements of the sectoral or local authority supervising the site.

For example, the presence of a fuel tank may link the facility to storage requirements, soil contamination prevention, and emergency situations, while the presence of a chimney or painting operation may make air quality and emissions a key component of the monitoring program. A coastal location may add requirements not found in a similar inland facility.

What are the required references at each stage of the project lifecycle?

These examples are for guidance only; the actual scope is determined according to the project situation and the requirements of the relevant authority.

How does an organization transform systems and regulations into a practical compliance program?

1. Collect the valid official copies

Begin with the official texts from the Saudi Legislation Platform, the Umm Al-Qura Gazette, andThe Center's Systems and Regulations LibraryRecord the date of the review and the copy or decision number, and do not rely on files from unknown sources.

2. Draw a map of the processes and sources of influence.

Document the flow of materials from receiving and storage to manufacturing, packaging, maintenance, and disposal. Identify emissions, discharges, waste, noise, and risks of leaks or accidents at each step.

3. Create a requirements log

Link each requirement to its reference, the responsible party within the organization, the required procedure, the implementation frequency, and the evidence proving compliance. The register should ideally include the terms of the permit and the obligations resulting from the reports and studies, not just the names of the regulations.

4. Identify the evidence of compliance

Evidence may include valid permits, measurement and analysis reports, waste and materials records, maintenance reports, dated photographs, training and exercise records, internal inspection reports, and proof of closure of corrective actions.

5. Create a calendar of appointments

Record renewal dates, reports, measurements, audits, training, and maintenance. Preparation should begin well in advance to allow time for addressing deficiencies, rather than waiting until the deadline.

6. Monitor the change before implementing it.

Expansions, power increases, and changes in materials, fuel, control equipment, or discharge points should go through an environmental review before implementation, so that the operational reality does not differ from the permit and approved study.

7. Conduct periodic internal reviews

Compare the record requirements with reality, examine samples of records and measurements, then classify the gaps and identify their cause, responsible party, deadline, and evidence required for closure.

8. Update the record when an official amendment is issued.

Memorizing the link to the regulation is not enough. When an amendment is issued, its impact on the permit, plans, procedures, contracts, training, and measurements must be analyzed, and then the relevant documents must be updated and officials informed of the change.

Common mistakes when implementing environmental regulations and bylaws

• Relying on an older version: The original regulations may still be in effect, but one of their schedules or provisions has been amended by a subsequent decision.
• Selecting the requirement from the activity name only: Actual operations, materials, and location may change the scope of the obligation.
• Confusing regulations with guidelines: The guide directs the methodology, but it does not eliminate the binding requirements.
• Focusing solely on issuing the permit: The commitment continues throughout operation, expansion, renovation and inspection.
• Using a non-custom template: The study or general plan does not reflect the risks of the site and may result in technical gaps.
• Lack of documentation of implementation: Undocumented procedures are difficult to prove during audits or inspections.
• Implement the change before the review: Adding an activity or product line may require an assessment or amendment of the permit.
• Transmitting fine figures without verification: Decisions and schedules are subject to change, and the official source should be consulted.

The role of the National Center for Environmental Compliance

Within its jurisdiction, the center is responsible for enforcing the environmental system and its implementing regulations, supervising environmental permits for facilities, inspection and auditing, monitoring the quality of environmental media, emergency planning, and licensing environmental service providers. The page displays Environmental permit for facilities Part of the center's role is in issuing permits and monitoring compliance.

Other entities may have jurisdiction depending on the type of resource, activity, location, or sector. Therefore, it should not be assumed that dealing with a single entity covers all possible approvals and requirements.

How does the Environmental Dimension Company help establishments?

Help Environmental consulting services for projects This involves translating regulatory requirements into applicable scope of work, documentation, and procedures, within the scope of the professional license and each project. The work may include:

• Review of activity, processes and technical documentation.
• Identify potential environmental requirements and the appropriate file path.
• Preparing the required permits, studies and plans.
• Preparing environmental monitoring and audit reports within the licensed scope.
• Reviewing the facility's readiness for inspection and analyzing compliance gaps.
• Preparing and monitoring corrective action plans.
• Preparing emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Assessing the affected sites and preparing monitoring and remediation programs when needed.

Environmental Dimension Company does not issue government permits or certificates, nor does it guarantee a prior regulatory decision. Its role is to prepare, review and develop technical and advisory requirements, while the final approval and decision remain the responsibility of the official body.

Do you need to identify the references that apply to your facility? Please provide the type of activity, city, project phase, operating capacity, process description, available permit, sources of emission, discharge and waste, and any previous notes. After the initial review, the appropriate scope of artwork can be determined instead of starting with a general template.

The technical content at Environmental Dimension Company is prepared and reviewed with the participation of specialists in studies, evaluation, monitoring, and compliance. You can learn more about Environmental Experts Team and their relevant experiences.

Frequently asked questions about environmental regulations and laws in Saudi Arabia

What is the basic environmental reference for facilities in Saudi Arabia?

The environmental system and its implementing regulations are the basic regulatory reference, in addition to the environmental permit, guidelines, decisions, and sectoral or local requirements applicable to the activity.

Do all environmental regulations apply to every facility?

No. What applies will be determined after reviewing the actual activity, classification, location, project stage, sources of influence, permit conditions, and supervising authorities.

What is the difference between an executive regulation and a guidance manual?

The regulations detail the provisions and executive requirements related to the system, while the guide provides a technical or procedural methodology to assist in preparing studies, plans, and reports. The two documents are not equal in their regulatory nature.

Is following a guide sufficient to obtain an environmental permit?

No. The guide helps in preparing a file or study better, but issuing the permit depends on the requirements being met and complete, and on review by the competent authority.

Where can I find the latest version of the regulations?

Refer to the Saudi Legislation Platform, the Umm Al-Qura Gazette, and the Library of Regulations and Bylaws of the National Center for Environmental Compliance, while checking for any subsequent amendment decision.

Are environmental regulations and rules changing?

Yes, amendments, updated schedules, or new regulations and guidelines may be issued. Therefore, you should check the current version at the start of each project and review the impact of the change on the organization's procedures.

Does every expansion require amending the environmental permit?

Not necessarily in the same way, but the expansion must be assessed before implementation. If it changes the activity, production capacity, materials, emission sources, discharge, or waste, it may require amending the permit or updating the study and plans According to the decision of the competent authority

Does the consultant guarantee the issuance of the permit or certificate of compliance?

A regulatory decision cannot be guaranteed in advance. Professional preparation improves the quality of the file and reduces gaps, but approval and issuance are the responsibility of the official body.

Are government fees included in the consultant's fees?

Government fees are usually separate from consultancy fees unless the financial offer clearly states otherwise, and their value should be verified by the competent authority at the time of application.

Professional alert and review information

This content is for general awareness and guidance purposes only and does not constitute a binding legal interpretation or a substitute for referring to the applicable official text and determining the requirements according to the specific circumstances of the establishment. The mention of a regulation or guide does not imply that it automatically applies to all activities.

Last reviewed sources and links: August 26, 2026. It is recommended that the content be reviewed every three months, and whenever a new regulation or guide is issued.