Executive Regulations for Air Quality in Saudi Arabia

The Executive Regulations for Air Quality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are regulations adopted by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture on May 6, 2021. Implementation began in accordance with Article Forty-Eight of the Environmental Law, issued by Royal Decree on July 10, 2020. These regulations address all factors surrounding living organisms, nature, and materials used or emitted from various sites, aiming to protect public health and the environment, which has faced challenges in preservation with population growth.

The new Executive Regulations for Air Quality in the Kingdom have revoked previous decisions related to this field. It focuses on adherence to environment-related preventive and remedial measures, standards, and procedures in accordance with the law’s provisions and regulations. These result in essential interactions to prevent pollution, reduce its impact, limit environmental degradation, and ensure sustainable development.

The adoption of the Executive Regulations for Air Quality in the Kingdom affirms the Kingdom's commitment to environmental preservation and its international efforts to reduce the causes of climate change. It also reflects the Kingdom’s adherence to international standards and agreements as part of global programs launched by specialized organizations, highlighting its role in combating climate change. The Kingdom has promoted the circular carbon economy, through which emissions can be managed comprehensively and integratively, aiming to mitigate the impact of climate challenges.

The provisions of the Executive Regulations for Air Quality in the Kingdom focus on mechanisms to prevent environmental degradation resulting from the depletion of natural resources, destruction of habitats, extinction of wildlife, and the decline in air, water, and soil quality. The regulations specify mechanisms and controls for compensation and payments required from those responsible for environmental harm, pollution, or degradation, with the aim of repairing or removing the resulting damage. This includes the costs of environmental rehabilitation, which must be covered by the responsible party if they are unable to carry out the rehabilitation themselves.

The Executive Regulations for Air Quality in the Kingdom established a mechanism for proposing environmental standards, criteria, controls, and requirements related to air quality and its protection from pollution. These proposals were submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for approval. The regulations also emphasize monitoring sources and levels of air pollution in alignment with environmental standards, gathering information from individuals, government agencies, and non-governmental entities, and developing and implementing national plans aimed at reducing air pollution and mitigating its effects.

The Executive Regulations for Air Quality in the Kingdom emphasize the monitoring of organic compounds and hazardous organic air pollutants. A series of provisions have been applied to all loading and unloading operations involving volatile organic compounds and hazardous organic air pollutants, whether on land or at sea. The loading or unloading of these materials is prohibited unless emissions are controlled through a system of liquid and vapor transport networks, including pipes, connectors, and valves, designed to prevent any vapor leakage and to automatically disconnect upon completion or interruption of operations.