Riyadh Municipality Adopts New Approach to Boost Business Compliance

An employee of “Ejada” performs inspection duties at a commercial shop. Asharq Al-Awsat
An employee of “Ejada” performs inspection duties at a commercial shop. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Riyadh Municipality Adopts New Approach to Boost Business Compliance

An employee of “Ejada” performs inspection duties at a commercial shop. Asharq Al-Awsat
An employee of “Ejada” performs inspection duties at a commercial shop. Asharq Al-Awsat

Riyadh Municipality has introduced a new model for inspection and oversight aimed at promoting compliance culture and raising awareness of regulatory laws among targeted institutions.

The initiative aims to ease financial burdens on businesses, ensuring their sustainability in the market.

In 2018, Riyadh Municipality launched the “Ejada” initiative in line with Vision 2030’s municipal transformation goals to enhance oversight of municipal services. However, its previous focus on fines to increase revenue burdened small and medium-sized enterprises.

Acknowledging this, Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal bin Ayyaf stated that the current approach shifts towards incentivizing compliance rather than solely relying on fines, aiming to boost returns for companies and compliance rates.

Prince Faisal bin Ayyaf recently announced the “Muthal” municipal compliance program to enhance service quality in Riyadh’s health and commercial sectors, leveraging digital technologies.

Emphasizing sustainable development, Riyadh Municipality aims to strengthen the business environment, support the private sector, and promote compliance through partnerships, ensuring regulatory quality and stakeholder satisfaction, aligned with the Kingdom’s national transformation plan, Vision 2030.

Economic experts believe the new model will ease financial pressures on businesses while encouraging better compliance with municipal regulations.

Ahmed Al-Jubeir, an economic specialist, noted to Asharq Al-Awsat that previous oversight lacked preventive measures and awareness, primarily relying on fines.

The new model encourages cooperation with monitors and compliance with regulations, fostering sustainable private sector development.

Al-Jubeir further indicated that the new model will incentivize the private sector and reduce financial burdens on establishments in the labor market.

On the other hand, Ahmed Al-Shahri, a policy expert, clarified to Asharq Al-Awsat that the new program ensures improved regulatory processes, enhances service quality, boosts awareness, and compliance rates of establishments, employing state-of-the-art technologies.

This aligns with municipal transformation initiatives derived from Vision 2030.

Riyadh Municipality’s initiatives aim to enhance regulatory efficiency and support business integrity, contributing to sustainable community development.



Oman’s Commerce Minister: Omani-Saudi Trade, Economic Ties Witness Significant Growth

General view of Riyadh. SPA
General view of Riyadh. SPA
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Oman’s Commerce Minister: Omani-Saudi Trade, Economic Ties Witness Significant Growth

General view of Riyadh. SPA
General view of Riyadh. SPA

Omani Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammad Al-Yousef has said that trade and economic relations between Oman and Saudi Arabia are experiencing significant growth, reflecting the strength of the fraternal and historical ties between the two countries.

During a news conference organized by the Omani Ministry of Information under the theme "Oman and the World," Al-Yousef explained on Thursday that joint projects reflect the efforts made to enhance economic cooperation between the two nations, particularly in areas that support trade exchange, regional economic development and expanding cooperation in fields such as energy, industry, technology, and tourism.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts in opening the land route linking the Kingdom to Oman, which represents a qualitative leap in enhancing bilateral trade movement. It has facilitated the mobility of both companies and citizens and boosted tourism and public communication, alongside supporting both nations’ efforts to achieve economic integration through building advanced infrastructure, he said.

"Saudi-Omani relations are strong and prosperous, witnessing growth in all areas. We are confident that the continued cooperation between us will yield strategic gains that serve the interests of both countries in the commercial, industrial, or tourism sectors,” the minister said.

He also pointed out that Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in developing the industrial sector and modernizing the logistical infrastructure, which opens new horizons for joint cooperation, especially in areas related to industrial integration and investment in major projects.

He highlighted the recent visit by Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi to Oman, where he discussed several initiatives that both sides aim to implement in the near future, as well as opportunities to launch joint projects between the private sectors of both countries, particularly in industrial fields.

Al-Yousef stressed the Saudi-Omani relationship serves as a model for Arab economic cooperation, and that the future holds many opportunities to strengthen this cooperation at all levels.