New Organizational Framework for Roads Authority Approved

The Saudi Council of Ministers has approved a new organizational regulation for the General Authority for Roads (الهيئة العامة للطرق) in August 2026, replacing the previous arrangements issued under Cabinet Decision No. 14 dated 4/1/1444H. The Authority, headquartered in Riyadh, is defined as a public legal entity with financial and administrative independence, organizationally linked to the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, and empowered to open branches and offices across the Kingdom as needed.

The new regulation strengthens the Authority's position as the main body responsible for legislating and regulating the roads sector. This includes setting policies, regulations, and standards, and monitoring compliance across the national road network.

Planning, operating and oversight

On planning, the Authority will prepare national strategic road plans in coordination with relevant entities, organize and classify the national network — particularly roads outside urban boundaries — and prepare and update technical, safety, and environmental standards for roads inside and outside cities.

Its operational role covers supervising the planning, design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of roads and related assets, especially outside urban areas, coordinating road-related services and utilities along the network, and establishing training and research centers for the sector.

On regulation and supervision, the Authority will issue licenses and permits, technically investigate accidents linked to road implementation and maintenance, and monitor compliance with approved standards and safety requirements.

The regulation also empowers the Board of Directors to approve policies, strategies, standards, technical specifications, internal bylaws, budgets, and investment frameworks for road assets. Under a transitional provision, the existing Board formed under the 1444H arrangements continues to exercise these powers until the end of its term or until a new Board is formed. For residents and expats, clearer standards and stronger oversight aim to support safer, better-maintained roads across the Kingdom.

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