Riyadh: The National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) reported a 20% increase in field inspection tours during the first half of 2025, with a total of 30,115 tours conducted. The rise reflects intensified efforts under a comprehensive monitoring plan aligned with the distribution and environmental impact of development activities, aiming to enhance regulatory compliance and reduce violations.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the center's official spokesperson Saad Al-Matrafi explained that the inspections covered facilities classified by their degree of environmental impact: severe, medium, and minor. He noted that the monitoring process is guided by precise technical standards and carried out by specialized field teams adhering to approved best practices.
Al-Matrafi further highlighted that the increase in inspection activity corresponds with the Kingdom's expanding development landscape, which necessitates heightened oversight to improve air, water, and soil quality. He mentioned that the center continues to implement an integrated inspection strategy focusing on violations of the Environmental Law and its implementing regulations, as well as deviations from approved environmental standards across various sectors.
He emphasized that inspection tours remain one of the center's most critical tools, integrating fieldwork with technical analysis as part of a proactive oversight approach. This system is designed to elevate environmental quality and reinforce sustainability efforts throughout the Kingdom.