The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has emphasized that warehouse and storage regulations are designed to develop and improve the business environment, assist those seeking investment in this field, and raise compliance standards to address visual distortion, as well as designate suitable locations that facilitate the distribution and delivery of goods. The Ministry stressed the importance of adhering to these requirements to reduce risks, prevent random practices, and minimize visual distortion in cities. It called for immediate reporting of any violations related to unlicensed storage, either through the unified reporting center at 940 or via the “Take a Photo and Send” service in the “Balady” app. In a statement today, the Ministry clarified that these requirements are part of its ongoing efforts to enhance quality of life, improve the urban landscape, maintain public safety, and curb random practices that violate regulations and requirements, exposing residents and infrastructure to various risks. The Ministry indicated that using establishments within residential neighborhoods or non-commercial streets for storage purposes without obtaining a license or practicing storage activities that do not align with the original commercial license, or the presence of warehouses in unauthorized locations within the urban area, are considered violations listed in the municipal penalties schedule. The Ministry noted that random storage is among the main sources of danger within neighborhoods, as it poses a threat to public safety, distorts the urban landscape, and encroaches on designated land uses. The Ministry added: “Reporting unlicensed storage within urban areas helps reduce the risk of fires, damage to goods and various materials, stops random practices and activities within neighborhoods, promotes adherence to safety procedures and mitigates risks before they occur, and ensures a safe environment in properly licensed and regulated warehouses, in addition to developing the urban environment in cities and achieving the highest standards of organization and compliance.” It is worth noting that the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has enabled reporting of violations via the unified number 940 as well as the “Balady” app by accessing the reporting option under the (Take a Photo and Send) service, selecting the “Unlicensed Storage” report, and uploading a photo of the violation.
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has announced, via the "Balady" platform , the activation of the Home Delivery Permit service for food and non-food establishments that offer delivery services. This comes in preparation for the official enforcement date starting July 1, 2025, as part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance quality of life and raise safety and compliance standards in the Kingdom’s delivery sector. The service aims to regulate delivery operations across Saudi cities and ensure compliance with health and technical requirements. These include valid health certificates for delivery staff, clearly branded delivery vehicles, and adherence to technical standards that support safer and more efficient service. These requirements are regulatory, not optional, and are designed to build consumer trust and promote a secure and professional delivery environment. Enforcement of the permit requirement will begin on July 1, 2025, at which point municipal authorities will conduct field inspections to ensure that establishments are in full compliance. The ministry urges all targeted establishments to obtain their delivery permit prior to the enforcement date by visiting the Balady platform: https://balady.go.link/5c49F. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to developing the regulatory infrastructure of the service sector, empowering businesses to operate within a clear legal framework that ensures safe, reliable, and high-quality service, fully aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Launch of “Balady Plus” — The First Saudi Mapping App Redefining Urban Mobility in Saudi Cities
The Ministry of Municipality and Housing, through its executive arm NHC, has announced the launch of the “Balady Plus” application—an intelligent platform aimed at enhancing quality of life in Saudi cities and facilitating daily mobility for residents and visitors. The Ministry explained that “Balady Plus” was developed by national talents to be more than just a navigation tool. It offers an interactive 3D map experience with precise local content that reflects the real landscape of Saudi cities and adapts to their changes in real time. The application features smart mobility services, including live updates on roads, locations, and services. It also supports indoor navigation in commercial centers, alerts users about speed bumps, obstacles, and road closures, and integrates data from government entities and the local community. The app reflects the commitment of the “Balady” platform to its role as a national enabler of smart cities in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. “Balady Plus” represents a technological leap that will contribute to creating a more efficient and responsive urban environment that meets the needs of residents. The Ministry encourages all citizens and residents to download the app and participate in its development by providing feedback and contributing to the improvement of its data and services via the link: https://balady.go.link/71GaA
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing today achieved a new milestone in the digital transformation of municipal services by reaching the "Innovation" level in the Digital Transformation Index for 2024 launched by the Digital Government Authority. This achievement was announced during the current session of the Digital Government Authority Forum on the sidelines of the Internet Governance Forum. This recognition is a result of the continuous efforts in the field of digital transformation, the adoption of emerging technologies, and generative artificial intelligence through the activation of smart municipalities, which resulted in more than 30 smart uses through more than 555 services used by more than 14 million users. Additionally, raising the adoption of Municipalities for key services to 87% and increasing the efficiency of supervisory work in commercial activities to 90% and 87% in construction activities. The ministry also received the Excellence Certificate in the National Institutional Framework, and the Funeral Services received the Excellence Certificate as one of the best government services, which helps alleviate the burden on the deceased's family in burial procedures. These achievements are the fruits of the ministry's digital transformation efforts, aiming to provide an integrated digital experience across all its platforms. The goal is to develop its digital service system and leverage smart technologies to serve citizens and residents of cities, enhancing the quality of services provided to them.
“Balady” Enhances Strategic Partnerships and Enables Interactive Maps During LEAP 2025
Riyadh, February 2025 – In a move that reinforces its leading role in the digital transformation of cities, Balady participated in the LEAP 2025 conference under the umbrella of NHC INNOVATION, where it had a pioneering presence in the field of digital solutions and innovations. It showcased numerous digital products such as maps and Balady Lens, in addition to the digital twin as a national enabler for smart cities. During the conference, Balady signed a series of strategic partnerships aimed at developing smart infrastructure, improving the use of geospatial data and enabling innovative digital solutions. The partnerships included a memorandum of cooperation with the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, the Royal Commission for Mecca City and Holy Sites, and the General Water Authority, with the aim of employing modern technologies to improve asset and facility management, develop smart solutions that enhance resource efficiency and promote sustainability. Balady also signed memorandums of cooperation with leading technology companies, including "Zain Saudi Arabia," which specializes in communication solutions, to develop a digital infrastructure based on the latest technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT), contributing to improved monitoring of public facilities and enhancing the efficiency of municipal services through smart solutions based on real-time data. Additionally, Balady signed a memorandum of cooperation with "SCAI", one of the Public Investment Fund companies, to apply artificial intelligence technologies in geospatial data analysis, improve urban planning processes, provide advanced solutions to predict traffic congestion, and manage natural crises effectively. Furthermore, Balady signed a memorandum of cooperation with "Ard Group" to develop 3D digital models of cities, allowing government entities and investors to explore development opportunities, analyze urban patterns, support sustainable expansion plans, and improve quality of life. Balady affirmed that these partnerships represent a significant step towards building sustainable smart cities, where digital solutions contribute to improving urban planning, supporting data-based decision-making, and achieving Vision 2030 in developing smarter and more innovative urban environments. It is worth mentioning that during the conference, Balady was the primary enabler of interactive maps through the "Indoor Navigation" feature, confirming the superiority of Balady maps over other applications, as they covered more than 50 locations within the conference halls, spaces, and wings. This contributed to enhancing visitor experiences and providing an easy and convenient user journey. The Balady application can be downloaded to benefit from its multiple features through the link: https://balady.go.link/iAqeE
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing launched the campaign "Because it's Balady", a step aimed at establishing a culture of compliance with municipal regulations and standards in all Saudi Arabian cities. This campaign represents an ambitious direction to develop cities, improve the efficiency of facilities and services, and promote environmental sustainability, which positively reflects on the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors, making Saudi cities a role model regionally and internationally. The ministry explained in a statement that the campaign focuses on achieving a set of key objectives, most notably raising awareness among individuals and institutions about the importance of compliance and its direct impact on improving the urban landscape, finding innovative and sustainable solutions, and enhancing the partnership between the community and government entities. The campaign aims to facilitate procedures related to the compliance of individuals and establishments with regulations through the use of modern technological tools, such as the "Balady" platform, which provides integrated digital services to support compliance and simplify procedures. Sief bin Salem Al-Suwailem, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, confirmed that "Because it's Balady" campaign comes within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to improve the quality of life in Saudi cities and promote environmental sustainability by establishing a culture of compliance with municipal regulations. Al-Suwailem emphasized that the campaign is a shared responsibility, contributing to the aspirations of Saudi cities to be developed and safe, with a sustainable urban environment, and asserting that the campaign helps build national awareness that supports comprehensive development, making Saudi cities a global model to be proud of. He pointed out that the campaign targets various categories, including applicants for building permits, project and property owners, engineering design and supervision offices, which play a major role in applying technical standards, as well as providers of waste transport services to ensure proper disposal, and contractors who are a key element in implementing regulations on the ground. Through this campaign, the ministry aspires to make compliance an integral part of the culture of individuals and institutions with the aim of achieving a long-term vision that contributes to the sustainability of urban development. The campaign revolves around developmental and social roles, enhancing the creation of integrated urban environments that encourage investment, stimulate community participation, and support the local economy by improving municipal services, regulating waste management, and achieving sustainability. The campaign seeks to promote a sense of national responsibility by highlighting the close relationship between compliance and improving the quality of life in the community. This campaign is a key part of the ministry's efforts to achieve the goals of the Quality of Life Program emanating from the Kingdom's Vision 2030, and compliance with municipal regulations and standards contributes to enhancing the health and safety of the environment and improving the efficiency of public services.
"Balady" Application: A Creative Vision for Business Owners and Commercial Entities
In a world where technological advancements are accelerating, daily life has become easier and more flexible thanks to technology. In this context, the "Balady" application comes as an innovative step towards achieving this goal, offering a range of new services that meet the needs of business owners and commercial entities in an efficient and innovative manner, as well as catering to the needs of society members. The application provides many services for commercial entities, with one of the most important being the "Commercial License Issuance" service, which has been linked with the relevant authorities. Allowing customers to easily conduct various commercial activities. Additionally, the application offers other services that facilitate the execution of business activities for commercial entities, such as the “Commercial Building Compliance Certificate”, aiming to improve the urban landscape by ensuring compliance with regulations and requirements approved by the Ministry of Municipalities & Housing. Furthermore, the application provides the service of obtaining “Health Certificates” for workers in the food and beverage sector, as obtaining a health certificate is essential for starting and operating such businesses regularly. Thanks to this service, customers can easily obtain the necessary documents without the need to visit government agencies. Moreover, the application also features automated municipal services that facilitate the experience of business owners and enhance their participation in national economic development. Additionally, "Balady" provides access to daily services needed by city residents to improve their quality of life across all regions of the kingdom. Explore "Balady" services now and embark on completing your tasks and managing your daily services by downloading the application through the following link: : https://bit.ly/3xrLHhi
From Business Services to a Citywide Digital Experience: The Evolution of the Balady App.
The Balady app's evolution represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's digital landscape, transitioning from a tool primarily for business owners to a comprehensive digital platform for all city residents. This transformation underscores a broader shift towards embracing digital innovation in municipal and rural service delivery, aligning with the rapid pace of technological progress. The app now offers advanced features designed to enrich the user experience, establishing itself as the definitive source for city services. It provides a more engaging and inclusive digital experience, catering to both commercial needs and everyday life, supported by an intuitive user interface. With the introduction of an interactive map, currently in a trial phase, the Balady app improves accessibility to municipal services and facilities. This feature allows residents to easily locate over 30 shopping malls in Riyadh, set personalized alerts for weather, road conditions, and speed, and access a wide array of services tailored to their daily and commercial requirements. Following its recent updates, the Balady app has become instrumental in fostering community engagement in public space improvement, urban development, and streamlined access to municipal services. Its digital transformation paves the way for a more vibrant community, contributing to economic growth and national ambitions. Commercially, the app simplifies processes such as license issuance and municipal service requests, reflecting the Kingdom's vision for a sustainable urban life and a digitally inclusive society. Join us in the digital transformation journey by downloading the Balady app through the link https://balady.gov.sa/customervoice and enjoy a new urban and digital experience
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Al-Hogail attends the twenty-fourth Gulf Engineering Forum in the State of Qatar
His Excellency the Minister of Municipalities & Housing, Mr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, attended the 24th Gulf Engineering Forum, which is being hosted by the State of Qatar during the period from 7 to 9 March under the title "Environmental Engineering and Sustainability", which opened today under the auspices of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Qatar. Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani. The activities of the forum, which are organized by the Ministry of Municipality, the Gulf Engineering Federation and the Qatar Society of Engineers, include 5 discussion sessions with the participation of a group of speakers from the State of Qatar and the Gulf countries, where 25 working papers were chosen to be presented during the days of the forum, dealing with four axes, namely: (technology and smart cities, sustainable building materials, efficient building and city management, waste management and recycling). The forum witnessed the honoring of His Excellency the Minister of Municipalities & Housing, Mr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, "the category of individuals", in the framework of honoring a number of engineering pioneers from more than one Gulf country. His Excellency also participated in the opening of the engineering exhibition accompanying the forum, which is specialized in environment and sustainability, with the participation of 20 participants from governmental and semi-governmental agencies and the private sector from the Gulf countries. This is to present the most prominent ideas, projects and engineering services in the field of environment and sustainability.
His Excellency the Minister of Municipalities & Housing, Mr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, inaugurated the Restatex Riyadh Real Estate Exhibition in its new edition for the year 2023, which will be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center during the period from 7-10 March, in the presence of a number of senior officials from government and financing agencies and companies. real estate development. During the opening ceremony, Al-Hogail witnessed the launch of real estate funds with a total value of more than 4 billion riyals, in order to provide more than 4 thousand housing units in Riyadh and Medina on an area exceeding 1 million square meters. He also sponsored the signing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding. Where a tripartite agreement was signed between the National Housing Company, the "Modern Building" initiative, and three factories of modern building technology service providers (Light Buildings Company (Seapowerx), Care International Company (Quadratex), and Technobuild Company (Forsa)); To provide modern construction methods for individuals, with the aim of enabling them to increase the housing supply, promote and open the market for modern technologies for individuals in self-construction projects, and raise the quality of the housing supply in a shorter time and at a competitive cost. In this version, the exhibition includes 8 dialogue sessions centered on: (the real estate industry and the role of the government and private sectors, sustainability and quality of life in the real estate sector, urban development and Saudi innovation, digital transformation in the real estate sector, affordable housing, real estate brokerage, housing projects, challenges and solutions, success story balance between quality and price). The exhibition also enjoys wide participation from real estate development and marketing companies, financing agencies, Saudi banks, and institutions specialized in housing and real estate affairs in the public and private sectors, which provide unique housing and financing solutions that suit various Saudi families and keep pace with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. It is noteworthy that the exhibition receives its visitors at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center until Friday, March 10, from 12:30 pm to 10 pm, in order to view the latest housing projects and financing solutions offered by real estate development companies and financing agencies.
It aims to support, promote and implement investments in the Kingdom "Municipality and Housing" and "Investment" sign a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish company Orbas The Ministry of Municipalities & Housing, represented by the Agency for Stimulating Housing Supply and Real Estate Development and the Ministry of Investment, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish company Orbas, with the aim of supporting and developing investment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The memorandum of understanding was signed by the Undersecretary for Stimulating the Housing Supply, Development and Real Estate, Abd al-Rahman bin Abdullah al-Taweel, representing the Ministry of Municipalities & Housing, while it was signed by the Saudi Ministry of Investment, the Undersecretary for Investment Development, Fahd bin Jamal al-Naim, while it was signed by the Spanish company Orbas, the executive director of the company, Adolfo Gore. see. The memorandum aims to enhance mutual cooperation between the parties to support and develop investment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in line with the national investment strategy, and unify efforts with the relevant authorities of each party, in order to raise the level of coordination and effective joint action in everything that supports and enhances the development, marketing and implementation of investments. In turn, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Municipalities & Housing told the Agency to stimulate the supply of housing and real estate development, that the signing of the memorandum of understanding comes within the framework of the joint efforts made by the Ministry in cooperation with the Ministry of Investment to attract and encourage foreign investments in the housing sector in the Kingdom, adding that the Spanish company Orbas is one of the active international companies In the fields of real estate, infrastructure and renewable energy. Al-Taweel explained that the Ministries of Municipalities & Housing and Investment will work to support the investing company in terms of exploring opportunities, and benefiting from the available incentives through the initiatives offered by the authorities according to their competence, such as the National Incentives Committee, pointing out that the investor will also enjoy the support of the competent authorities regarding the work plan and feasibility. By providing available data that serve investment success.
