The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing continues its efforts to enhance infrastructure efficiency and improve the quality of municipal services through the development of a unified digital system for the management and maintenance of urban roads across the Kingdom. The new system is considered one of the Ministry’s most strategic projects, as it leverages the latest digital analytics and geo-mapping technologies to improve the quality of road networks, strengthen transparency in monitoring their technical condition, and accurately determine maintenance priorities. The project aims to raise the efficiency of road asset management by tracking its various components, analyzing field data, and systematically assessing defects to enable precise maintenance planning. The system also contributes to improving spending efficiency, optimizing resource utilization, and providing decision-makers with advanced tools for long-term planning. The system is characterized by its comprehensiveness and integration, as it provides an accurate database that includes an inventory of roads, assessment of their technical condition, scheduling of periodic maintenance, issuance of work orders, and preparation of future forecasts based on data analysis. It also integrates with national platforms and local systems within the municipalities, and provides flexible user interfaces that facilitate access to its services for beneficiaries and relevant entities. The system contributes to enhancing the efficiency of road network management and achieving national targets, by improving budget allocation for municipalities, strengthening traffic safety levels, and increasing beneficiary satisfaction with the quality of municipal services. It also supports the Kingdom’s position to rank among the top six countries globally in terms of road network quality. This project comes within the Ministry’s efforts to consolidate the sustainability of Saudi cities through technological solutions that enhance quality of life and align with the objectives of Vision 2030 to build a modern urban environment that meets the aspirations of road users.
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing issued more than 5,000 licenses for collective housing properties for individuals through “Balady” platform and launched four initiatives under the “More Beautiful Cities” program to strengthen efforts for comprehensive visual distortion treatment and enhance quality of life in Saudi cities during the first half of 2025. The Ministry explained that it had implemented a package of developmental projects and programs, including the launch of the debt portfolio in 15 municipalities, raising awareness of the importance of the Objections Platform in 16 municipalities covering 25 services, in addition to reducing the average time required to process objections to just 9 working days compared to 30 days in 2024. In terms of improving the urban landscape, coverage of visual distortion monitoring exceeded 90% in major cities following the expansion of inspection scope, with the activation of the smart assignment engine for regulatory field tours in 16 municipalities, supported by more than 7,000 field inspectors. The Ministry also identified eight new elements of visual distortion, while leveraging cleaning contractors to improve the efficiency of field treatments. On the municipal service development front, the Ministry launched five new qualification services through the “Balady Business” platform, which include: (qualification of engineering offices for issuing construction permits, qualification of engineering offices for issuing commercial permits, qualification of engineering offices for issuing collective housing permits for individuals, qualification of engineering offices to supervise construction permits, qualification of engineering offices to supervise excavation permits). Furthermore, the Ministry adopted the Regulation on the Election of Heads of Crafts and Professions and their Deputies, covering more than 130 guilds and professions across the Kingdom, thereby promoting knowledge and professional empowerment in the field of urban operations. It also updated the health, technical, and safety requirements guide for collective housing for individuals, strengthening compliance with spatial regulations and streamlining licensing requirements. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing emphasized that these achievements come as part of its ongoing efforts to raise the efficiency of municipal services, improve the investment environment, and achieve the objectives of Vision 2030 by developing cities, empowering national talents, and enhancing quality of life across all regions of the Kingdom.
The Ministry of Municipality and Housing has announced the issuance of updated regulatory requirements for permanent and temporary advertising billboards in cities across the Kingdom. This comes as part of its ongoing efforts to develop the urban landscape and enhance visual appeal in the built environment, striking a balance between urban aesthetics and advertising activity. The ministry clarified that the new requirements set precise standards that take into account the local architectural character of each region, aligning with approved design guidelines or building codes. These standards help regulate the use of billboards on roads, buildings, and public facilities, while considering safety elements and the overall appearance. The updated regulations also allow for creative advertising content within a framework of organization and compliance. The requirements emphasized the importance of removing billboards immediately upon the expiration of the license or cancellation of the activity, and restoring the site to its previous condition to preserve visual harmony. Additionally, the regulations aim to reinforce commitment to urban identity and prevent practices that may negatively impact the beauty and function of cities. The ministry stated that these requirements extend its efforts to reduce visual pollution, promote a culture of compliance, and achieve an integrated urban environment that supports community aspirations and considers the rights of pedestrians, drivers, and all users. The new standards also support private sector investments within an organized and transparent framework, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to build modern, integrated cities. The Ministry of Municipality and Housing called on advertisers, business owners, and those interested to review the details of these requirements through the ministry’s website, the "Balady" platform, or by visiting the link https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-02/ashtratat%20allwhat%20ald%60ay%27yt%20wala%27%60lanyt.pdf.
Balady, a subsidiary of NHC Innovation, has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with the Asir Municipality, aiming to collaborate on vital areas that contribute to improving quality of life, developing digital municipal services, and supporting training and innovation. This partnership is set to enhance beneficiary experience and align with the digital transformation goals within the municipal sector. The memorandum was signed by His Excellency Engineer Abdullah bin Mahdi Al-Jali, Mayor of Asir Region, and Mr. Yasser bin Nasser Al-Obaidan, CEO of “Balady”, in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Mr. Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail. The CEO of “Balady” explained that this partnership supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, by enabling digital transformation in the municipal and housing sectors, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering innovative services that meet the aspirations of citizens and residents. It also contributes to building smart, sustainable cities centered on data and modern technologies. The memorandum aims to establish a strategic partnership between both parties to offer intelligent municipal services that boost beneficiary satisfaction and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors in the region. Furthermore, the agreement involves cooperation in training and capacity building, by providing Asir Municipality employees with opportunities to participate in workshops and training sessions organized by “Balady”, and by exchanging expertise to develop competencies and readiness of the working teams. The memorandum also includes studying the implementation of a “digital twin” project within the municipality, to support urban planning decisions through data analysis and understanding market and beneficiary needs, thereby improving decision-making efficiency and promoting urban sustainability. Additionally, the agreement covers the development and operation of “Fast Track” services and the provision of innovative technical solutions based on high operational standards, inspired by the best local and global practices in the municipal services sector.
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has announced an update to the requirements for non-food retail outlets, as part of its ongoing efforts to address visual clutter, strengthen compliance with municipal regulations, and organize the commercial business environment. These updates aim to achieve the sector’s developmental objectives and support investors in expanding and developing their business activities. The scope of the requirements applies to all wholesale and retail outlets selling non-food products—such as clothing, perfumes, shoes, stationery, and other included activities. The updated requirements can be accessed through the following link: https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-04/ashtratat%20mnafdh%20alby%60%20llmwad%20alghyr%20ghdhay%27yt.pdf The new updates cover several key areas, including various types of regulatory requirements: licensing requirements, spatial requirements, site and area specifications, and compatible additional activities, as well as technical and operational requirements. The new updates cover several key areas, including various types of regulatory requirements: licensing requirements, spatial requirements, site and area specifications, and compatible additional activities, as well as technical and operational requirements. The ministry called on investors and those wishing to operate non-food retail outlets to adhere to the specified requirements listed in the activity cards on the “Balady” platform, facilitating the issuance of commercial licenses and ensuring that activities are conducted in accordance with approved regulations.
"Balady" is participating in the Esri International User Conference 2025—the world's largest event dedicated to Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies—which will be held in San Diego, California from July 14 to 18, 2025. This participation comes under the umbrella of the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its global position in the application of geospatial technologies, GeoAI (Geospatial Artificial Intelligence), and digital twin technologies. These efforts contribute to improving quality of life, enhancing municipal service efficiency, and enabling sustainable urban development. During the event, "Balady" will showcase its leading innovations and pioneering experiences, highlighting how GeoAI is harnessed to enhance smart field monitoring, land-use management, and to improve user experience through advanced digital solutions that have proven effective through tangible real-world applications. "Balady" will also present advanced demonstrations of digital twin technology in city management, featuring analytical models for crisis and flood response, population density analysis, congestion indicators, and urban planning to build smarter, more sustainable, and resilient cities. Yasser Al-Obaidan, CEO of "Balady" (a subsidiary of NHC Innovation), stated that participation in the Esri Conference is a strategic opportunity to showcase a national success story in utilizing spatial data and smart technologies to develop public services. He added that the goal is to strengthen technical partnerships and draw inspiration from global best practices to help build a more efficient and sustainable urban future. The Esri International User Conference is a valuable platform for knowledge and experience exchange, bringing together top experts, decision-makers, and innovators in the field of GIS. It focuses on presenting the latest technical advancements, expanding the use of spatial data to support decision-making, and empowering smart cities worldwide. It is worth noting that "Balady’s" participation in this global event aligns with its commitment to geospatial digital transformation and its active role in achieving Saudi Vision 2030 through sustainable smart cities driven by innovation and knowledge.
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has confirmed that objections to municipal violations, fines, and procedures are processed electronically through the “Unified Objections Platform” within a maximum of 15 days from the date of submission. This is in accordance with standardized procedures among the relevant regulatory authorities, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to justice, transparency, and prompt response. The Ministry clarified in a press statement today that the platform allows for the submission and processing of objection requests without the need to visit ministry headquarters, main municipalities, or branch offices. This contributes to streamlining procedures and improving the experience for beneficiaries and clients. Beneficiaries can submit electronic objections to violations, fines, and municipal license requests through the “Balady” platform or application, with the ability to track the status of their request in real time via the following link: https://balady.gov.sa/en/services/objection-service Platform services are available to citizens and residents, whether they are owners or tenants, as well as to commercial and service enterprises, business sectors, real estate developers, and anyone subject to one of the penalties stipulated in the municipal violations regulations. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing continues to develop its regulatory and legislative tools by working to standardize regulatory standards, enhance digital transparency, and ensure justice for all stakeholders and beneficiaries in all procedures related to municipal licensing and oversight.
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has achieved a new international milestone, receiving a Certificate of Excellence from the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2025, in the e-government track, for its technological innovation “Balady Lens.” The honor was awarded during the annual ceremony held in Geneva, Switzerland, after “Balady Lens” was selected from among hundreds of submissions from around the world. This certificate is considered one of the most prominent international awards overseen by the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations agency, and aims to recognize innovative digital solutions that accelerate technological transformation and achieve sustainable development goals. The “Balady Lens” innovation employs artificial intelligence technologies to detect signs of visual distortion in cities, providing accurate field images and data that help relevant authorities make immediate decisions to address identified sites. This, in turn, positively impacts the urban landscape and the quality of life. The innovation secured its place among the top 360 projects out of 973 global contenders, reflecting the significant progress made by the Kingdom in adopting and utilizing modern technologies in governmental work. This achievement is an extension of the Ministry’s efforts to support digital transformation, boost the international profile of national innovations, and build effective partnerships in technology and knowledge fields, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
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.
