Riyadh Region publishes infrastructure projects guide to boost standards

The Riyadh Region Infrastructure Projects Center (RIPC) has published an Infrastructure Projects Code Guide, aiming at establishing unified standards that will enhance the quality and safety of infrastructure projects being undertaken across the Riyadh Region.

The guide seeks to strengthen collaboration and seamless integration among all key stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, consultants, laboratories, and service providers. It is set to take effect in August.

The RIPC outlines permitting requirements that seek to implement a clear and robust permitting process, supported by documentation and driven by data, to ensure that all planned works across Riyadh are approved in advance, with provisions for managing emergency and unplanned works efficiently.

It also sets out guidelines on developing a work execution plan that outlines safety, methodology, and compliance procedures for specific tasks; quality assurance and control that ensures compliance and quality control through rigorous checks and balances, regular inspections and built-in acceptance criteria underpinned by accurate documented evidence.

Other features of the code include health and safety management, including the implementation of comprehensive health and safety protocols across all project stages to prevent injuries, protect public safety and ensure compliance with legal standards; environmental management, including implementing sustainable practices to protect the environment whilst delivering infrastructure projects; and site preparation and management protocols to ensure that all pre-site activities, including document preparation, coordination and equipment checks, comply with approved safety and technical standards before mobilisation.

The RIPC will also conduct inspections and enforce compliance through scheduled and unannounced visits to ensure adherence to project plans, safety standards and regulatory requirements, according to the code.

Contractors may appeal penalties within 60 days through a structured process that will ensure fair and transparent resolution of violations. However, the guide notes that the approval of works does not relieve the contractor of their responsibility to adhere to regulations and standards.

On closing an infrastructure project, all stakeholders will be required to ensure effective completion, handover and monitoring of all projects. The guidelines also include methodologies for measuring performance across Riyadh.

The guide is “one of many new initiatives in Riyadh, aimed at improving project standards and efficiency,” said KSA-based construction disputes expert Rena L. Scott of Pinsent Masons. “As contracts for infrastructure projects being delivered in the Riyadh region will refer to local regulations, including the guide, we will be keeping an eye out on this regulatory development as it introduces new regulatory frameworks that may impact contractual compliance and project bottom lines through penalties and sanctions imposed by RIPC.”