New Rules to Protect Saudi Marine Environment Issued

Saudi authorities have issued detailed executive regulations for the sustainable management of the marine and coastal environment under the Environmental Law, setting new rules for how activities along the coast and at sea must be licensed and monitored. The regulations apply across Saudi internal waters, the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone, and the continental shelf.

Under the framework, a range of activities now require a prior environmental permit before they can be carried out. These include marine and coastal tourism projects, marine transport and port-related activities, conventional and renewable energy projects in coastal or marine areas, the discharge of treated wastewater into the marine environment, coastal mining, and the installation or relocation of mooring buoys and similar marine structures.

The rules also cover licensing and permitting for scientific research, the collection of marine resources, marine sports, and tourism activities that involve interaction with marine organisms. Clear procedures are set out for issuing and renewing environmental licenses and permits, with the National Center for Environmental Compliance designated as the main enforcement body and other national environmental centers sharing specific roles.

Penalties and prohibitions

A penalties table attached to the regulations sets fines of up to SAR 20,000,000 for serious violations such as polluting marine waters and aquatic environments. Recent amendments also specify fines of up to SAR 5,000,000 for failing to take the necessary measures to contain polluting spills. The regulations prohibit discharging various categories of waste into the marine and coastal environment, including untreated or inadequately treated wastewater and other polluting materials.

For residents and businesses in coastal cities such as Jeddah and Dammam, the new rules matter because they clarify what requires a permit and establish monitoring programs for pollution, controls on anti-fouling substances, and standards for different means of marine transport. The aim is to protect the health of Saudi Arabia's seas and coasts while giving operators a clear compliance path.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving