Riyadh Tightens Dust Controls at Construction Sites

Environmental inspectors in Riyadh are running round-the-clock monitoring of dust pollution from construction projects, using both fixed and mobile air quality stations. As of early September 2026, fines imposed on non-compliant sites have reached about SAR 20 million.

The enforcement is tied to a mandatory framework for mitigating fugitive dust emissions from construction activities in the capital. It applies to any project with a total site area of 2,000 square metres or more, and requires the use of certified dust suppression materials, daily treatment of exposed surfaces, covered transport of materials, and real-time on-site air quality monitoring at higher-risk sites.

High-risk (category 3) projects must connect their air quality monitoring devices to a unified construction dust monitoring platform. Sites are also required to use fogging sprays and spray cannons around crushers and transfer points, enforce speed limits on unpaved roads, install wheel-wash systems, and rely on covered conveyors while keeping material drop heights to a minimum.

Developers must prepare and carry out a dust suppression plan, submit periodic performance reports proving compliance, and balance dust control with responsible water use to avoid excessive consumption. Non-compliance can trigger administrative fines of up to SAR 50,000 with repeat or multiple breaches building up to cumulative penalties in the tens of millions of riyals across projects.

For residents, the measures aim to cut airborne dust that affects daily air quality and health, especially near active construction zones. Separately, construction and demolition waste facilities must secure an Environmental Permit to Construct before building and an Environmental Permit to Operate before running, alongside civil permits from the regional municipalities (Amanahs).

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