Saudi Arabia Implements Mechanisms to Ensure Financial Sustainability of Riyadh’s Infrastructure Center

 Several mega projects are being implemented in the capital, Riyadh. (SPA)
Several mega projects are being implemented in the capital, Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Implements Mechanisms to Ensure Financial Sustainability of Riyadh’s Infrastructure Center

 Several mega projects are being implemented in the capital, Riyadh. (SPA)
Several mega projects are being implemented in the capital, Riyadh. (SPA)

Following a decision to approve the establishment of the Center for Infrastructure Projects in Riyadh, the Saudi government has set appropriate mechanisms that guarantee the center’s financial sustainability.

According to information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, the Ministry of Finance, in partnership with the Government Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority, will study the government request for the center’s founding budget, at an amount of SAR 150 million ($40 million).

The study will include the operational and capital expenditures, the annual cash flows, and the mechanism for managing the amounts.

The government also directed the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, and the new center, to sign a joint memorandum of understanding that defines the necessary arrangements and mechanisms for the center to exercise the powers entrusted to it, and to specify the appropriate timetable for their implementation.

The Center for Infrastructure Projects undertakes the functions and powers of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, the secretariat, and the municipalities of the region, which are related to infrastructure works and projects in the Saudi capital, including the issuance of licenses and permits and the collection of fees.

Other tasks include the temporary or permanent withdrawal, cancellation and suspension of permits, in addition to monitoring and inspecting works and taking the necessary actions in this regard.

The center’s financial resources will derive from the state’s general budget, the financial fees in exchange for the granted licenses and services, as well as fines and other resources that are approved by the Council in line with the regulations.



FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
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FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)

Dr. Abdul Hakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), stated that the organization will take an active role at COP16, the UN conference on combating desertification, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in early December.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he expressed confidence that the conference—the first of its kind in the Middle East—would produce significant outcomes.

Elwaer’s comments came during a roundtable organized by FAO’s regional office in Cairo, attended by a select group of media representatives. The session focused on FAO’s participation in the upcoming conference and the importance of the Rio Trio —the integrated framework of the three major UN conventions addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and desertification.

Fida Haddad, FAO’s Program Officer for Land Rehabilitation and Climate Change, highlighted the interconnectedness of the three conventions and noted that COP16 would place a strong emphasis on land and water rehabilitation and their sustainable management.

Haddad pointed out that approximately 90% of the Middle East is affected by arid conditions. Despite this, local communities and Arab governments have made notable progress in addressing desertification and drought. She also announced that, for the first time, FAO has successfully placed food systems on the COP16 agenda, enabling discussions on how land rehabilitation can enhance food supply chains and systems.

Elwaer underscored FAO’s central role in achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): eradicating hunger. He emphasized that FAO actively engages in the UN conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification, which collectively contribute to this mission.

FAO’s focus, according to Elwaer, is on transforming food and agricultural systems to become more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable, aiming for better production, nutrition, and livelihoods. He highlighted the organization’s success in integrating these priorities into the agendas of the three conventions and collaborating with host countries on joint initiatives.

He further noted that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 is particularly significant for the region, which faces pressing challenges such as water scarcity, desertification, and food insecurity. The conference presents an opportunity for Middle Eastern nations to highlight these issues, explore solutions, and ensure their inclusion in global environmental discussions, not only at this event but in future COP sessions, he underlined.

Elwaer emphasized the growing global attention on desertification, as it is now impacting regions previously unaffected, such as southern Europe and parts of Latin America. These areas are witnessing alarming declines in arable land and forests, prompting them to seek lessons from the Arab world, which has developed resilience strategies to combat desertification over centuries.

FAO will have a strong presence at COP16, with two dedicated pavilions—one in the Blue Zone for official delegations and another in the Green Zone to engage civil society and conference participants, he said.

He added that in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and the UN, FAO will lead coordination on Food Day and Governance Day, scheduled for December 5 and 6, respectively. The organization will also participate in other specialized sessions throughout the conference.