Categories
Laws and Regulations

The Economic Regulation for Air Navigation Services

Arabic

Issued by Board of Directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Decision 42/636 dated 8 January 2025

Chapter 1
Preliminary Provisions

Article 1
Terms and Definitions

For the purposes of implementing this regulation, the following words and phrases wherever they appear have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:

1․ Kingdom:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

2․ Authority:
The General Authority of Civil Aviation in the Kingdom.

3․ Aircraft:
Any machine capable of sustaining itself in the air by the reaction of the air, other than those reflected from the surface of the earth.

4․ Airport:
A defined area on the surface of land or water, including any buildings, installations, and equipment, designated wholly or partially for the arrival, departure, and surface movement of aircraft.

5․ Airport complex:
Two or more airports grouped together serving the same city or region.

6․ Airport operator:
The entity that manages the infrastructure at the airport and coordinates and manages the activities of the various operators present at the airport, or the relevant airport complex, including:

(a) When any airport or airport complex is managed and operated by several separate entities, each of these entities is considered part of the airport operator for the purpose of implementing this regulation.

(b) When only one entity is established to manage and operate several airports or an airport complex, each of these airports or the airport complex is considered separate for the purpose of implementing this regulation.

7․ Airspace:
Part of the atmosphere of the earth in which the traffic and navigation of aircraft are controlled in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Kingdom.

8․ Airspace user:
The beneficiary of air navigation services, such as an aircraft operator. In case of inability to determine the aircraft operator, the aircraft owner is the beneficiary.

9․ Approved airspace user:
An aircraft operator licensed by the authority.

10․ Assessment period:
The time period specified by the authority for applying charges for multiple years.

11․ Air navigation services:
The services provided to ensure the safe and efficient management of air traffic in the airspace, including the following services as detailed in annex 4:

(a) Air traffic management services.

(b) Air navigation systems services.

(c) Search and rescue services in the field of air navigation.

(d) Meteorological services for air navigation.

(e) Aeronautical information management services.

(f) Flight procedure design services.

(g) Air inspection and assessment services.

(h) Aeronautical obstacle assessment services.

(i) Any other service determined by the authority.

12․ Service provider:
An entity that has been accredited by the authority and permitted to provide air navigation services in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.

13․ Charges:
The charges imposed on airspace users, which have been approved by the authority, in return for benefiting from air navigation services.

14․ Charge zone:
A specific geographical area or a specific volume of airspace in which specific charges are imposed on airspace users, and it is divided into two sections:

(a) En-route:
A defined area of airspace in which air navigation services are provided for the use of air routes in that area, under a uniform cost basis and a uniform charge.

(b) At the airport:
An airport or airport complex in which air navigation services are provided at the airport, under a uniform cost basis and a uniform price.

15․ Expected cost:
The cost of providing air navigation services expected to be incurred during a specific future time period.

16․ Actual costs:
The cost incurred in the Gregorian year preceding the provision of air navigation services, which is verified through audited accounts.

17․ Aircraft traffic:
Every takeoff or landing carried out by an aircraft, and is also known as “ATMs”.

18․ Service unit:
A standardized measure of the quantity of aircraft traffic, based on additional factors such as flight distance, aircraft size, and/or the level of usage within the airspace.

19․ Baseline value of expected costs:
The initial estimated cost, which is estimated based on the actual costs from the previous assessment period.

20․ Key performance indicators:
The quantitative and qualitative metrics established to evaluate the performance of a service provider, and is also known as “KPIs”.

21․ Committee for reviewing violations of the provisions of the Civil Aviation Law:
The committee that has the mandate to review all violations of the provisions of the Civil Aviation Law, which makes decisions regarding the appropriate penalties for these violations.

Article 2
General Provisions

1․ All service providers shall comply with the provisions of this regulation.

2․ Air navigation services are classified into the following:

First
Primary air navigation services, which cover:

(a) Air traffic management services.

(b) Air navigation systems services.

(c) Search and rescue services in the field of air navigation.

(d) Meteorological services for air navigation.

(e) Aeronautical information management services.

(f) Aeronautical obstacle assessment services.

Second
Secondary Air Navigation Services, which cover:

(a) Flight procedure design services.

(b) Air inspection and assessment services.

3․ Whoever wishes to provide secondary air navigation services in the Kingdom shall apply for an economic license from the authority.

4․ It is not required to obtain an economic licence to provide primary air navigation services in the Kingdom. These services must be provided on the basis of a decision issued by the authority.

5․ It is prohibited for an air navigation service provider to agree with others to perform any of the services it is permitted to provide without obtaining prior approval from the authority.

Article 3
Provisions for the Economic Licensing of Secondary Air Navigation Service Providers

1․ An economic license is the personal property of the licensee, and it is not permitted to transfer its ownership or assign it to others. A new license application must be submitted if this is intended.

2․ The authority shall issue an economic license to provide one or more air navigation services in the Kingdom to the applicant, and the license must include the following:

(a) Name of the service.

(b) Place where this service is provided.

3․ It is prohibited for a service provider to provide any air navigation service unless it is stipulated in its economic licence.

4․ A service provider shall notify the authority if it wishes to make significant changes to the volume or scope of its services.

5․ The period of economic licenses is five years from the date of their issuance, renewable.

6․ A service provider wishing to renew its economic license shall submit a renewal application to the authority at least 90 days before the expiry date of its license period.

7․ The authority may suspend an economic license in the event that the commercial registration of the service provider is suspended.

8․ An economic license expires in the event that any of the following cases are met:

(a) The expiry of the period specified for a license without renewal.

(b) The approval by the authority of a request by a service provider to suspend or cancel the licence.

(c) The expiry of the legal personality of a service provider.

(d) Suspension or cancellation of the standards and safety license issued by the authority.

(e) Cancellation of the commercial registration of a service provider.

Article 4
Requirements for the Economic License to Provide Secondary Air Navigation Services

The authority shall issue an economic license for secondary air navigation services mentioned in article 2(2) to the applicant, if the following requirements are met and the information of the application form is completed in accordance with annex 1:

1․ That it is an entity established in the Kingdom and proof of this is provided.

2․ Submitting a valid Saudi commercial registration.

3․ Providing proof of experience for a period of not less than three years, or the applicant demonstrating its ability to provide operational expertise for these services by appointing key employees with expertise in this field.

4․ Providing proof of financial solvency by submitting the financial statements for the last two financial years, or submitting any document proving its financial solvency if the applicant is new.

5․ Submitting an action plan for the first two years.

6․ Meeting all security and safety standards and requirements issued by the authority to provide such services.

7․ Providing proof of payment of the fee for the issuance of an economic licence.

Chapter 2
Obligations of a Primary Air Navigation Service Provider

Article 5
Obligation to Provide Information

A service provider shall provide the authority with information related to actual costs, the variance between actual costs and the expected costs contained in the charges proposal on an annual basis, and any other financial data requested by the authority.

A service provider shall provide the authority with information related to aircraft traffic and service units, the variance between actual traffic and the expected traffic in the charges proposal on an annual basis, and any other operational data requested by the authority.

Article Six Obligation to Consult Stakeholders

1․ A service provider shall, when preparing charges for the first time or when updating them, consult approved airspace users and airport operators regarding the determination of expected costs, service units, and expected charges, before the start of the assessment period, and shall submit the charges proposal to the authority.

2․ All airspace users and airport operators have the right to participate in the consultation, and the service provider shall consult them at least once a year to discuss the mechanism for implementing the provisions of this regulation.

3․ A service provider shall provide the authority with the outputs of any consultation within a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of conducting it.

Article 7
Obligation to Sign a Service Agreement with an Airport Operator

1․ All airport operators in the Kingdom shall sign an agreement with one or more air navigation service providers approved by the authority for services provided to the airport, in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.

2․ The service provision agreement between air navigation service providers and airport operators must include at least the following aspects, and it must be consistent with all the provisions of this regulation:

(a) Ownership of assets and operational structure.

(b) Scope and duration of the agreement, provided that it does not extend beyond the end of the assessment period.

(c) Rights and obligations of the parties to the agreement.

(d) Charges approved by the authority, and identifying the charge zones and the party responsible for collecting these charges from airspace users.

(e) Performance and quality of service requirements, including key performance indicators.

(f) Monitoring and supervision mechanisms.

(g) Rebalancing mechanisms.

3․ A service provider shall obtain the approval of the authority on the final draft of the agreement before signing it.

Article 8
Compliance with the Mechanism for Determining Charges for Air Navigation Services

First

The authority shall govern the mechanism for determining charges for air navigation services in the Kingdom.

Second

A service provider shall comply with the following principles when determining charges for air navigation services:

(a) That the charges are within the best internationally applicable practices and standards and within internationally competitive prices.

(b) That the charges incentivize airspace users to operate in the Kingdom and increase the capacity of airspace users and improve performance.

(c) That the charges contribute to the provision of air navigation services in a safe, efficient, and sustainable manner, with the aim of achieving the highest levels of safety and quality of performance.

(d) Adhering to the principle of cost-relatedness to cover the costs of operation, maintenance, and investments associated with air navigation services, with the possibility of achieving financial revenues exceeding direct and indirect operating costs, enabling a service provider to achieve reasonable returns on financial assets (before accounting for taxes and capital cost), with the aim of providing appropriate financing for investment in the development of infrastructure and the improvement of air navigation services.

(e) Determining the costs of providing air navigation services using the baseline value of expected costs of providing those services to airspace users.

(f) Determining the costs associated with each of the different air navigation services separately.

(g) Being transparent when determining the costs for calculating charges.

(h) Not discriminating between airspace users when applying charges.

(i) Not using revenues from certain services to cover the costs of other services among the different air navigation services without the approval of the authority, provided that there are clear and necessary justifications to ensure operational sustainability and to enhance the financial sustainability of service providers.

Third

The following procedures must be complied with when determining charges for air navigation services:

1․ The authority shall determine and publish the start and end dates of each assessment period.

2․ Service providers shall prepare the charges proposal for the specified assessment period, including the annual charges proposal for each year in the assessment period.

3․ The charges proposal must include all the data mentioned in clause Fourth of this article.

4․ A service provider shall consult stakeholders 30 days before the date of submitting the charges proposal to the authority.

5․ A service provider shall submit to the authority the charges proposal before the beginning of each assessment period within the period specified by the authority.

6․ The authority may decide to approve the charges proposal, reject it, or make an amendment to it.

7․ Service providers may set a different service unit charge for each year within a single assessment period, provided that the service unit charges do not change within a single year.

8․ A service provider shall—after the approval of the charges proposal by the authority—make an announcement to all airspace users at least 90 days before their application.

9․ The authority may adjust charges during the assessment period at the request of a service provider, if there are logical justifications or exceptional circumstances.

10․ A service provider shall submit a performance and compliance report to the authority at the end of each year of the assessment period, and a comprehensive report at the end of each assessment period.

11․ In the event of any discrepancies between the approved charges proposal for the previous assessment period and the actual performance of air navigation services mentioned in the end-of-assessment-period report, any discrepancies in air traffic data or costs must be corrected in the following assessment period.

Fourth

A service provider shall prepare a charges proposal before the start of the assessment period in accordance with the form and information provided in annex 1, and it must include the following charge determination requirements as a minimum:

1․ Determining the charge zones as outlined in article 9.

2․ Establishing the cost base for charges as outlined in article 10.

3․ Data of the major investments that are taken into account when calculating the expected costs.

4․ Air traffic forecasts as outlined in article 11.

5․ Determining the charges of the service units for each charge zone as outlined in article 12.

6․ The final report on the results of the stakeholder consultation, including points of agreement and objections, and the justification of the air navigation service provider for the final charges proposal.

Article 9
Mechanism for Determining Charge Zones for Air Navigation Services

1․ A service provider shall determine the charge zones within the airspace specified for it.

2․ The geographical boundaries of the charge zones must be clearly defined and consistent with the air navigation services that will be provided.

3․ A service provider may modify the charge zones during the assessment period, by submitting an application to the authority to approve the modification, and the application must include the following data:

(a) A clear and specific description of the costs before and after the requested modification of the zones.

(b) A clear and specific description of aircraft traffic before and after the requested modification of the zones.

(c) The outputs of stakeholder consultation on the requested modification of the zones.

(d) The updated charges proposal after the requested modification of the zones.

(e) The new geographical boundaries of the charge zones requested to be modified.

(f) The relevant data outlined in annex 2.

Article 10
Mechanism for Determining the Cost Base for Charges

1․ The cost base must include the actual costs and expected costs associated with the provision of air navigation services within the relevant charge zone, along with the identification of all assumptions made in the charges proposal.

2․ A service provider shall include the following actual and expected costs related to air navigation services in the cost base for charges.

(a) Operational costs.

(b) A reasonable margin on the operating expenses of air navigation charges.

(c) The weighted average capital cost, which is calculated as the result of multiplying the operating fixed assets for air navigation services as determined by the authority by the proposed fair rate of return on the asset base.

(d) Depreciation costs associated with fixed assets operating for air navigation services.

(e) Tax costs.

Article 11
Mechanism for Determining Air Traffic Forecasts

Air traffic forecasts, in terms of aircraft traffic and service units for each charge zone, are calculated as outlined in annex 2, in accordance with the following:

(a) Calculation of en-route service units: The service units in an en-route charge zone are calculated as the result of multiplying a distance factor by a weight factor for the relevant flight, and the total en-route service units must include the service units for aircraft traffic.

(b) Calculation of airport service units: The service units in an airport charge zone are calculated such that the airport service unit for a flight is equivalent to the weight factor of the aircraft concerned.

Article 12
Mechanism for Determining the Service Unit Fees for Each Charge Zone

1․ The total service unit charge is calculated by dividing the total cost base for charges by the total air traffic forecast.

2․ The fees charged to airspace users in each charge zone are calculated by dividing the total expected service unit charges for the relevant years by the total aircraft traffic forecast for each charge zone.

3․ Adjustments resulting from any variances in previous assessment periods must be included in the service unit charges.

4․ The charges for a single flight are calculated as the result of multiplying the total service unit charges determined for the charge zone by the service units for that flight.

5․ A single flight within an airport charge zone is calculated by considering both a landing and a takeoff as one flight, with only one service unit being calculated, either as an arriving flight or a departing flight.

Article 13
Flights Exempt from Air Navigation Service Charges

1․ The authority shall notify service providers of flights exempt from payment of charges for air navigation services.

2․ Exempt journeys are excluded when calculating service unit charges.

3․ The authority may agree with a service provider to determine the mechanism for refunding the costs of providing the service for exempted journeys.

Article 14
Mechanism for the Collection of Charges

1․ Service providers may collect charges from airspace users directly, or appoint a charge collection agent after the approval of the authority.

2․ Airspace users shall pay all air navigation charges approved by the authority.

3․ A service provider may determine effective and proportionate enforcement procedures to facilitate the collection of air navigation service charges, in a manner that does not conflict with the laws of the Kingdom, and the authority has the right to suspend any of these procedures if they are inappropriate.

4․ A service provider shall not refuse to provide services, interfere with operations, or seize aircraft or assets without fulfilling the legal requirements applicable in the Kingdom and obtaining the approval of the authority.

Article 15
Compliance with Key Performance Indicators

1․ Air navigation service providers shall comply with key performance indicators and performance monitoring indicators for air navigation services in each of the key performance areas specified by the authority and provided in annex 3.

2․ Airport operators may set additional key performance indicators and monitoring indicators in addition to those mentioned in paragraph 1, provided that they are included in the agreement with the air navigation service provider.

3․ The authority may impose fines or provide incentives relating to the compliance of air navigation service providers with key performance indicators.

Chapter 3
Final Provisions

Article 16
Procedures for Submitting Complaints and Reviewing Violations

1․ Any person may file a complaint with the competent department in the authority regarding any violation of the provisions of this regulation.

2․ The authority shall send the complaint notice to the relevant parties, and they shall submit a response to it within the time limit specified in the notice.

3․ The authority may, after receiving a response to the complaint, undertake one of the following procedures:

(a) Issuing a notice directing the violator to apply corrective measures.

(b) Issuing a reasoned decision rejecting the complaint.

(c) Referring it to the committee for reviewing violations of the Civil Aviation Law.

4․ In the event that the party concerned with the complaint does not respond within the time period specified in the notice, the authority shall issue its decision in accordance with the information available to it.

5․ The authority shall review violations of the provisions of this regulation and issue legal punishment decisions.

6․ It is permitted to file a grievance against the decisions issued before the competent court within the period specified in the Civil Aviation Law (60 days) from the date of informing the relevant parties of the decision.

Annexes

Annex 1
Supporting Information Required for Issuing an Economic License

An applicant shall demonstrate compliance with the requirements mentioned in article 4 above by completing the application form of the authority, and a clarification of the information required in each section of the application form is provided below:

(a) Nature of work: The applicant shall clarify the type of air navigation services to be provided.

(b) Operational experience: The number of years of experience and supporting evidence, and the number of years of relevant experience of key personnel.

(c) Annual accounts: Requires the submission of audited annual accounts for the last two financial years (if it is an existing company) or the provision of a certificate of financial solvency if the applicant is new.

(d) Action plan: Requires an action plan for the first two years of operation. The action plan must include the following details:

1․ A detailed description of the expected activities of the applicant, including details of any market research conducted and the basis for the sales figures expected in the plan.

2․ Profit and loss accounts and projected balance sheets (a projected opening balance sheet must also be submitted, if required).

3․ Projected monthly cash flow statements.

4․ Details of current and expected sources of financing.

5․ Including a detailed breakdown of all projected revenue/expenditures. The following is an example of the details expected to be obtained in relation to the projections:

Revenue:
Details of how revenue will be generated by contract (signed or expected).

Expenditures:
Salary costs, operational costs such as equipment, fuel, insurance, and the like, and office costs such as rented facilities and the like.

(e) Proof of payment of the fee for the economic licence of the authority.

Annex 2
Information Required for Charge Submission and the Mechanism for Calculating the Service Unit Fee

First: Reporting Schedules for Information Required for Charge Submission

Reporting Schedule
Charge Zone Limited Costs—Assessment Period Actual Costs—Assessment Period
Cost Breakdown n-1 n-1 n+1 n+2 n+3 n+4 n n+1 n+2 n+3 n+4
1 Details by type (in nominal value)
1․1 Staff costs1․2 Other operating costs

1․3 Depreciation

1․4 Capital cost

1․5 Tax cost

1․6 Total cost total percentage n-n-1

2 Supplementary information (in nominal value) average asset base
2․1 Total book value of fixed assets2․2 Total necessary current assets

2․3 Total asset base

Capital costs %
2․4 Return on equity2․5 Average interest on debt

2․6 Share of financing through equity

2․7 Capital cost rate

Costs of new and existing investments
2․8 Depreciation2․9 Capital cost
3․1 Total cost
Total percentage n/n-1%
Total percentage n/n-1%
3․2 Total service units
Total percentage n/n-1%
3․3 Unit rate
Total percentage n/n-1%
4 Inflation
4․1 Inflation percentage4․2 (1) Inflation index

Second
List of Information Required for Charge Submission

(a) The following list of information must be submitted before the start of the assessment period as part of the charges proposal, in addition to the reporting schedules mentioned in clause First above:

1․ Air traffic forecasts and service units on which the charge submission process is based.

2․ A summary of the stakeholder consultations conducted before submitting the charges, including points of agreement, disagreements, and justifications.

3․ A list of airports subject to the performance and charges system and the average annual air traffic.

4․ A description of the process followed in developing and approving the submission of charges.

5․ Expected costs of new and existing investments covering depreciation and capital costs for each year of the assessment period.

6․ A detailed description and justification of the major investments, including: (a) The total value of each major investment. (b) Assets acquired or developed. (c) Benefits to airspace users. (d) Details of investments for air traffic management systems: New systems, repairs, and replacements.

7․ An explanation of the methodology and assumptions used to determine the costs of air navigation services provided.

8․ Expected costs of services for each year.

9․ Forecasts of service units per year.

10․ Explanation of the criteria and methodology for allocating costs.

11․ Basic data for determining the fair rate of return on the asset base and a reasonable margin on the operating expenditures of air navigation charges.

12․ A description of the assumptions used in calculating the capital cost, including the composition of the asset base, the return on equity, the average interest on debt, and the ratio of financing through debt and equity.

13․ Justifying the return of service providers on equity, the ratio of indebtedness, and the asset base used to calculate capital costs.

14․ Economic assumptions, including pension cost assumptions, interest rate details, and inflation projections.

15․ Explanation of changes derived from the previous assessment period.

(b) The following list of additional information must be submitted annually before the beginning of each charge year, in addition to the reporting schedules mentioned in clause First above:

1․ A description of the actual costs reported and the difference from the expected costs for each year of the assessment period for each entity and for each cost item.

2․ A description of the actual service units reported and differences from the forecasts provided in the cost proposal for each year of the assessment period.

3․ Justifications for any differences between the expected and actual costs of each of the main new and existing investments of service providers, and any differences between the planned and actual operational start dates of the fixed assets financed by these investments, for each year of the assessment period.

Third
The Mechanism for Calculating the Service Unit Charge

1․ The charge of air navigation services units for aircraft when they transit on air routes in the territory of the Kingdom must be calculated in the following manner:

Cost = Route navigation services charge × distance factor (d) × weight factor (w), where:

– Route navigation services charge: The service unit charge.

– Distance factor (d): This represents the distance between the point of entry and the point of exit in kilometers divided by one hundred. The airports of the Kingdom are among the entry and exit points for domestic and international flights.

– Weight factor (w): This is calculated on the basis of the maximum take-off weight of the aircraft (MTOW) in tons, and fractions starting at 500 (five hundred) kilograms are rounded up in all weights, and fractions below this are not counted, and it must be calculated using the following equation:

(w) = √(MTOW / 50)

2․ The charge of air navigation services units for aircraft during the approach phase (at the airport) within a radius of 20 kilometers from the airport site in the territory of the Kingdom must be calculated in the following manner:

Cost = Airport navigation services charge × weight factor (w)

– Airport navigation services charge: The service unit charge.

– Weight factor (w): This is calculated on the basis of the maximum take-off weight of the aircraft (MTOW) in tons, and fractions starting at 500 (five hundred) kilograms are rounded up in all weights, and fractions below this are not counted. It must be calculated using the following equation:

(w) = √(MTOW / 50)

Annex 3
List of Key Performance Indicators in the Field of Air Navigation Services

The following list is used to identify key performance indicators for each of the key performance areas that can be included in an agreement with an air navigation service provider, and each stakeholder shall modify the indicators to suit the local environment and conditions:

1․ Capacity:

(a) The capacity of the airport control zone.

(b) En-route capacity.

(c) Minutes of delay in managing air traffic flow in the route for each flight.

(d) Compliance with the slots of the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

2․ Efficiency:

(a) Fuel efficiency.

(b) Journey times.

(c) Compliance with the specified time slots.

3․ Cost-effectiveness:

(a) The direct cost from gate to gate for each flight.

(b) Working hours of the air traffic controller for each full work duration.

(c) Direct operating costs by airspace user.

4․ Flexibility:

(a) Delay in air traffic flow control management from gate to gate (ATFCM).

(b) The capacity of air traffic control centers.

(c) Improving the workload of the air traffic controller.

(d) Flexibility in recovery time for unscheduled civil/military flights in case of late flight plan submission/request.

5․ Right to enter:

(a) Number of complaints from stakeholders.

(b) Equality in the allocation of airspace between relevant parties.

6․ International environmental operability:

(a) The rate of compliance with international air traffic management standards.

(b) Participation by the air traffic management community.

(c) Number of cooperative projects between air traffic management stakeholders.

7․ Participation by the air traffic management community:

(a) Number of cooperative projects between air traffic management stakeholders.

8․ Predictability:

(a) Variation in actual take-off/landing times versus scheduled times.

Annex 4
Scope of Air Navigation Services

Service name Scope of service
1 Air traffic management services A set of services that includes the provision of aeronautical information service or alerting service, air traffic advisory service, or air traffic control and management service, and airspace management, in a manner that ensures safe, efficient, and orderly aircraft traffic, whether the movement is in the air or on the ground.
2 Air navigation systems services Providing an integrated air navigation systems service in all phases of flight through a set of key systems and components to support the safety, regularity, and efficiency of air navigation, which includes navigation, communications, surveillance, infrastructure management, and technology systems.
3 Search and rescue services in the field of air navigation Performing the tasks of following up on distress calls, conducting communications and coordination and search and rescue, and providing immediate medical assistance or medical evacuation, through the use of public and private resources, including cooperating aircraft and vessels, and other vehicles and facilities.
4 Meteorological services for air navigation Providing meteorological information/data necessary for the safety, regularity, and efficiency of air navigation.
5 Aeronautical information management services Collecting, managing, and disseminating aeronautical data and information within a specific coverage area to ensure the safety, regularity, and efficiency of air navigation.
6 Flight procedure design services A specific service for the design, documentation, verification, maintenance, and periodic review of instrumental flight procedures necessary for the safety, regularity, and efficiency of air navigation.
7 Air inspection and assessment services A series of flight tests and inspections conducted to determine the operational classification of radio navigation aids or to allow for a full operational assessment through the coverage of the specific flight surveillance system.
8 Aeronautical obstacle assessment services A service for assessing, identifying, and analysing natural or other objects that affect airspace.

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5084 issued on 2 May 2025.

Categories
Council of Ministers Decision

Council of Ministers: Decision 472 Addressing the Legal Challenge Regarding the Expiration of the Membership Term of Some Boards of Directors of Public Authorities and Establishments and Their Equivalent Without Renewing or Appointing New Members

Arabic

The Council of Ministers,

after perusal in its session held under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, of Royal Court File 38793 dated 24 Jumada Al-Awwal 1445 [8 December 2023], which includes the Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers for Shura Council Affairs, Dr Essam bin Saad bin Saeed, Telegram 7335 dated 19 Jumada Al-Awwal 1445 [3 December 2023], on addressing the legal challenge regarding the expiration of the membership term of some boards of directors of public authorities and establishments and their equivalent without renewing or appointing new members instead of those whose legally specified membership term has expired,

after perusal of article 24 of the Law of the Council of Ministers issued by Royal Order O/13 dated 3 Rabi Al-Awwal 1414 [20 August 1993],

after perusal of Royal Decree D/54 dated 19 Shawwal 1407 [15 June 1987], amended by Royal Decree D/59 dated 15 Sha’ban 1424 [11 October 2003],

after perusal of Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Memorandum 2949 dated 15 Sha ’ban 1445 [25 February 2024] and Memorandum 422 dated 2 Safar 1446 [6 August 2024],

after perusal of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs Recommendation 3-3/46/R and dated 23 Rabi Al-Awwal 1446 [26 September 2024],

and after perusal of the General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 5005 dated 16 Jumada Al-Awwal 1446 [18 November 2024],

hereby decides

If the term of the boards of directors of public authorities and establishments and their equivalent expires, or the membership of any member in them expires, and no legal instrument is issued to reconstitute any of those boards, renew the membership of those whose membership has expired, or appoint a replacement for him, then the term of membership of any of those boards or their members continues—based on the circumstances‏—until a legal instrument is issued in this regard.

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud

Issued on: 7 Rajab 1446
Corresponding to: 7 January 2025

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5068 issued on 7 February 2025.

Categories
Council of Ministers Decision

Council of Ministers: Decision 473 Approving the Law of Petroleum and Petrochemical Materials

Arabic

The Council of Ministers,

after perusal in its session chaired by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud,

of Royal Court File 33220,

dated 8 Jumada Al-Awwal 1446 [10 November 2024],

which includes the Minister of Energy Telegram 2945,

dated 1 Ramadan 1444 [23 March 2023],

regarding the draft of the Law of Petroleum and Petrochemical Materials,

after perusal of the aforementioned draft law,

after perusal of Royal Order 10030 dated 15 Safar 1443 [22 September 2021],

after perusal of the Law of the Petroleum Products Trade issued by Royal Decree D/18 dated 28 Muharram 1439 [18 October 2017],

after perusal of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Minutes 146 dated 17 Sha’ban 1445 [27 February 2024], Memorandum 3571 dated 13 Shawwal 1445 [22 April 2024], Memorandum 4033 dated 13 Shawwal 1445 [22 April 2024], and Memorandum 2166 dated 17 Jumada Al-Thani 1446 [18 December 2024],

after perusal of Council of Economic and Development Affairs Recommendation 1-1/46/R dated 26 Muharram 1446 [1 August 2024],

after considering Shura Council Decision 80/8 dated 2 Jumada Al-Awwal 1446 [4 November 2024],

and after perusal of the General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 6781 dated 30 Jumada Al-Thani 1446 [1 January 2025],

hereby decides

First

The Law of Petroleum and Petrochemical Materials is hereby approved in the form attached.

Second

The provisions of the law—referred to in clause First of this decision—do not prejudice the validity of licenses issued in accordance with Law of the Petroleum Products Trade issued by Royal Decree D/18 dated 28 Muharram 1439 [18 October 2017], and the holders of these licenses—at the time the law comes into force—shall rectify their status in accordance with its provisions within a period not exceeding two years from the date of its enforcement. They shall submit a plan to the Ministry of Energy to rectify their status within a maximum period of one year from the date of entry into force of the law and its regulations. The Minister of Energy may grant an additional grace period or periods to rectify their status not exceeding six years from the date of expiry of the specified period for rectifying the status, as he determines to be in the public interest.

A draft royal decree has been prepared in the form attached.

Third

The fee referred to in article 6(1) of the law—referred to in clause First of this decision—must be determined in agreement with the Ministry of Finance and the Non-Oil Revenue Development Center, until the issuance of the Governance of the Practice of Imposing the Fee for Services and Works Provided by Entities That Have the Authority to Impose a Fee, and its entry into force.

Fourth

The amount deducted for the Ministry of Energy from the fee must be determined in accordance with the provisions of article 6(2) of the law—referred to in clause First of this decision—in agreement with the Ministry of Finance and the Non-Oil Revenue Development Center, and must be included in its budget appropriations.

Fifth

The Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Finance shall establish a mechanism to govern the disbursement of the deducted amount, in accordance with article 6(2) of the law referred to in clause First of this decision.

Sixth

The Ministry of Energy shall, in order to implement the provisions of the law referred to in clause First of this decision, assume all powers and tasks related to regulating petroleum and petrochemical operations, and coordinate—when necessary—with the relevant entities. In particular, it shall carry out the following:

1․ Proposing policies, strategies, plans, and programs related to the petroleum and petrochemical sector, and supervising their implementation after their approval.

2․ Representing the Kingdom and looking after its interests related to petroleum and petrochemical materials in local and international organizations and bodies.

3․ Regulating petroleum and petrochemical operations, and working to protect the public interest as well as the private interest of consumers and licensees.

4․ Taking the necessary measures to secure the needs of the local market, to enhance local content and benefits from petroleum and petrochemical materials in a manner that stimulates production for petrochemical supply chains, to determine export fees—recoverable—for petrochemical materials, to ensure the security and reliability of supplies, and to establish the enabling regulatory arrangements to achieve this.

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud

Issued on: 7 Rajab 1446
Corresponding to: 7 January 2025

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5066 issued on 24 January 2025.

Categories
Council of Ministers Decision

Council of Ministers: Decision 474 Amending the Traffic Law

Arabic

The Council of Ministers,

after perusal in its session held under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, of Royal Court File 26116 dated 12 Rabi Al-Thani 1446 [15 October 2024], which included the Minister of Interior Telegram 126611 dated 11 Jumada Al-Awwal 1444 [5 December 2022] regarding the proposal to amend the Traffic Law by including the violation of “driving a vehicle on roads with an expired driving license”,

after perusal of the Traffic Law issued by Royal Decree D/85 dated 26 Shawwal 1428 [7 November 2007],

after perusal of Royal Decree D/115 dated 5 Dhu Al-Hijja 1439 [16 August 2018],

after perusal of Memorandums 3337 dated 8 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1444 [28 May 2023], 1588 dated 7 Jumada Al-Awwal 1445 [21 November 2023], 4115 dated 28 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1445 [5 June 2024], and 1463 dated 26 Rabi Al-Thani 1446 [29 October 2024] prepared by the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers,

after perusal of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs Recommendation 3-8/45/R dated 15 Jumada Al-Thani 1445 [28 December 2023],

after considering Shura Council Decision 23/238 dated 15 Ramadan 1445 [25 March 2024] and 24/4 dated 11 Rabi Al-Thani 1446 [14 October 2024],

and after perusal of the General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 4870 dated 12 Jumada Al-Awwal 1446 [14 November 2024],

hereby decides

First

The Traffic Law issued by Royal Decree D/85 dated 26 Shawwal 1428 [7 November 2007] is hereby amended as follows:

1‏. Article 71 is repealed.

2․ Schedule of Violations 2 attached to the law—amended by Royal Decree D/115 dated 5 Dhu Al-Hijja 1439 [16 August 2018]—is amended by adding paragraph 16 with the following text: “Driving a vehicle on the roads with an expired driving license.”

A draft royal decree has been prepared in the form attached.

Second

The Ministry of Interior—concurrently with the entry into force of the amendment to the Traffic Law as referred to in clause First of this decision—shall review the Executive Regulation of the Traffic Law—issued by Royal Decree D/85 dated 26 Shawwal 1428 [7 November 2007]—and shall amend it in a manner consistent with it after it is amended as referred to in clause First of this decision, and in a manner that achieves the intention of the Shura Council according to the contents of the explanatory memorandum attached to the Speaker of the Shura Council Letter 2144 dated 17 Ramadan 1445 [27 March 2024].

Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud

Issued on: 7 Rajab 1446
Corresponding to: 7 January 2025

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5065 issued on 17 January 2025.

Categories
Council of Ministers Decision

Council of Ministers: Decision 471 Amending the System of the National Committee for Narcotics Control

Arabic Auto Translate

Issued on: 7 Rajab 1446
Corresponding to: 7 January 2025

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5065 issued on 17 January 2025.

Categories
Laws and Regulations

The General Cooperation Agreement between the Government of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Republic of Honduras

Arabic Auto Translate

Issued by …


Published in Umm Al-Qura 5065 issued on 17 January 2025.

Categories
Royal Decree

Royal Decree D/123 Approving the General Cooperation Agreement between the Government of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Republic of Honduras

Arabic Auto Translate

Issued on: 5 Rajab 1446
Corresponding to: 5 January 2025

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5065 issued on 17 January 2025.

Categories
Ministerial Decision

Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization: Decision Approving the Update of the Technical Regulation of Electric Vehicles

Arabic Auto Translate

Issued on: 3 Rajab 1446
Corresponding to: 3 January 2025

Published in Umm Al-Qura 5063 issued on 5 January 2025.

Categories
Laws and Regulations

Controls for Research in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve

Arabic

Issued by Board of Directors of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority D-3-T-46-2 of 1446 [2024], Amended by Administrative Decision 000033-25-001 Dated 1 January 2025


Introduction

As part of the efforts of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve to be a leader in environmental conservation and nature preservation, the authority has focused on supporting scientific research, as accurate data and information on the facts of biodiversity is an important and supportive tool for making decisions based on science, hence, these controls have been put in place to establish the general frameworks governing the scientific research process in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, as well as joint cooperation in sharing data with other entities.

Article 1

The following phrases and expressions—wherever they appear in these controls—have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:

Authority: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority.

Reserve: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

Chief executive officer: The chief executive officer of the authority.

Researcher: A person who performs scientific research tasks, procedures, and activities.

Scientific research: A systematic experimental investigative approach that follows recognized scientific methods in accordance with the ethics of scientific research in collecting information, recording observations, and objectively critically analyzing that information or hypotheses using specific scientific methods and approaches.

Scientific publication: The outputs or results of scientific research, including publishing all or some of the results in scientific journals or periodicals, on the internet, in books and reports, or as an innovation.

Permit: A document granted by the authority before commencing the practice of the scientific research activity.

Wildlife: Wild plant and animal organisms and their habitats.

Biodiversity: The multiplicity and diversity of organisms at all their levels, from genes to ecosystems.

Natural habitats: Sites where wild organisms naturally live, grow, or reproduce in a natural, interconnected, and integrated manner with the surrounding conditions.

Article 2

These controls aim to strengthen and control the scientific research system, build scientific partnerships, and enable researchers to conduct their research and scientific activities in the reserve.

Article 3

For the purpose of implementing these controls, the authority shall:

1․ Verify the qualifications of researchers and the project team.

2․ Verify the scientific justification and the intended benefit if the scientific research has been conducted previously.

3․ If the cooperation results in a scientific innovation, the authority and the researcher have the right to joint intellectual property.

4․ The authority has the right to suspend or cancel scientific research and take the necessary legal measures in the event of a breach of the laws of the authority, the non-disclosure agreement, or the ethics of scientific research.

Article 4

The authority shall grant a permit to conduct scientific research within the reserve through the website of the authority, with the approval of the chief executive officer or whomever he authorizes, according to the following mechanism:

1․ Submitting the permit application within a period of 30 days before the start date of the scientific research.

2․ The permit applicant shall attach the following requirements:

(a) Permit application form.

(b) Scientific research proposal.

(c) Any other requirements determined by the authority.

3․ The authority shall review the application and notify the permit applicant of the application status within 15 working days from the date of receipt.

Article 5

A researcher shall comply with the following:

1․ The highest performance standards, ethics, and good practices in scientific research, and that he is fully aware of the scientific research controls of the authority while adhering to the relevant regulations and laws.

2․ Preserving the environment, reducing environmental pollution, and being cautious to not conduct experiments and research that may harm the environment and natural habitats.

3․ Scientific integrity and ensuring accuracy in conducting scientific research, presenting and interpreting results with credibility and transparency, and not distorting or falsifying scientific results and facts.

4․ Obtaining the necessary permits to conduct scientific research from the authority and relevant entities, if necessary.

5․ Researchers in joint projects shall agree on a publishing mechanism before submitting the scientific research to a publisher, and shall inform partners of all their rights and duties, mutual benefits, and withdrawal procedures at any stage, before beginning the scientific research.

6․ In the event of dealing with data of a confidential nature that may be obtained (for example: Information about the health status of animals, the precise locations of rare animals and plants in the reserve, and any results related to the breeding sites of animals), the researcher shall maintain the confidentiality and privacy of this data, and shall not use such data for his personal benefit, for the benefit of a third party, or for any purpose other than the purpose for which it is collected except with the written consent of the authority.

7․ Maintaining an accurate, organized, and documented record of the procedures followed and the results obtained, whether final or interim, and that this record must be subject to inspection and audit by the authority.

8․ Not publishing scientific research and displaying research results in the media or any other means except after obtaining the consent of the authority.

9․ Upon completion of the scientific research, the authority has the right to the samples, data, and results, and the researcher shall not use them for other research or for other purposes without the consent of the authority.

10․ Abiding by local laws, legislation, and international treaties on copyright and the protection of intellectual property rights.

11․ Not withholding any scientific results or information from the authority.

12․ Preserving the rights of the authority to the results of scientific and intellectual research as well as the funding entity, when publishing the results of scientific research, and not exploiting it for advertising or any commercial or illegal purposes.

Article 6

A researcher shall, when conducting research on animals, comply with the following:

1․ Ensuring quality of performance and scientific principles and controls governing experimental practices on animals.

2․ Sharia provisions and laws relating to animal welfare.

3․ Scientific principles and controls that govern experimental practices on animals.

4․ Limiting the number of animals to the smallest possible number to achieve the objectives of scientific research.

5․ Abiding by, in scientific research, all measures to prevent harm or pain to the animal being subjected to the experiment, using the minimum and necessary number of experimental animals, and trying to avoid causing pain to the animal as much as possible.

6․ Releasing the animal subject to scientific research after its completion and ensuring its safety, and returning it to its original environment whenever possible.

7․ Taking into account that the expected results of the research and the benefits sought from it must outweigh the potential risks and damages that could be caused to the animal on which the scientific research is conducted or to the environment in general.

Article 7

A researcher shall, when conducting research on plants, comply with the following:

1․ Sharia provisions and laws relating to environmental protection.

2․ Limiting the number of seeds or plant samples to the minimum in regard to scientific research on endangered plants.

3․ Taking into account that the expected results of scientific research and the benefits sought from it must outweigh the potential risks and damages that could be caused to the plant on which the scientific research is conducted or to ecological systems and natural habitats in general.

4․ Disposing of all waste in a safe manner that does not harm human health or the environment.

Article 8

Researchers shall not:

1․ Use an endangered animal in research and experiments, unless such research and experiments are necessary and have a positive impact on the reproduction or preservation of the species, and obtaining the written consent of the authority.

2․ Introduce a wild animal or plant foreign to the environment of the reserve into its wildlife for scientific research purposes.

3․ Conduct research on endangered plants, unless such research is necessary for the propagation or conservation of those plants, with the written consent of the authority.

4․ Carry out any action that has a negative impact on the environment of the reserve.

Article 9

1․ The authority has the right to suspend or stop the research and prevent the researcher from conducting research in the future if it is proven that the researcher has violated any of the provisions of these controls.

2․ The authority shall police violations and impose punishments in coordination with the relevant entities.

Article 10

The authority shall review and update these controls periodically—when needed—with the approval of the chief executive officer and the notification of the board of directors of the authority.

Article 11

These controls apply and come into force from the date of their publication in the official gazette.


Published in Umm Al-Qura 5075 issued on 14 March 2025.

Categories
Laws and Regulations

The Controls for Grazing in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve

Arabic

Issued by Decision D-2-T2/46 of 1446, amended by Administrative Decision 000033-25-001 dated 1 January 2025

Article 1

For the purposes of applying these controls, the following terms and phrases—wherever they appear—have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:

Reserve: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

Authority: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority.

Board of directors: The board of directors of the authority.

Chief executive officer: The chief executive officer of the authority.

Controls: The Controls for Grazing in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

Permit: A document granted by the authority to the permittee allowing the entry of livestock into the designated grazing sites in the reserve.

Grazing: The process by which livestock consume plants for energy and food.

Grazing range: The range designated and approved by the authority.

Grazing system: The management of pasture use in a way that ensures long-term sustainability and achieves a balance between the needs of livestock and ecosystem conservation.

Local community: Inhabitants of the centres identified by the head of the administrative center inside the geographical scope of the reserve.

Livestock: Domesticated animals for husbandry (camels, cows, sheep, and goats).

Environmental inspector: An official(s) designated by a decision issued by the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture or the chairman of the board of directors of national centers for the environment sector, jointly or individually, to police, investigate, and prove violations of the provisions of the Environmental Law, regulations, and controls issued by the authority.

Article 2

The controls for grazing aim to preserve the natural and plant environment and wildlife by regulating grazing inside the geographical scope of King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

Article 3

It is prohibited to graze in the reserve except within the grazing range in accordance with these controls, and this is exclusively restricted to the inhabitants of the local community of the reserve.

Article 4

1․ The authority shall determine the grazing range and the permitted capacity for each area in accordance with the necessary environmental studies.

2․ The authority shall update and amend the grazing range in the reserve whenever necessary.

3․ The authority may prohibit grazing in the reserve and remove offenders of these controls.

4․ The authority shall monitor and inspect periodically to ensure compliance with permits in the specified areas.

Article 5

The authority shall allow grazing inside the reserve for the period it specifies, subject to the following:

1․ Obtaining a permit through the website of the authority, in accordance with the conditions and requirements.

2․ Numbering livestock according to the requirements of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.

3․ The presence of a valid health certificate for the permittee and those he sponsors.

4․ Grazing during the period from six o’clock in the morning until six o’clock in the evening.

5․ Disposing of waste by placing it in the designated places and it is prohibited to bury or burn waste of all kinds.

6․ The livestock owner shall be fully responsible for his livestock during grazing.

7․ Designating a small tent or mobile room “ezba” for the shepherd to be near the livestock and protect them, and it must be designated for that purpose only.

8․ Paying the financial fee (if any).

9․ Any other requirements set by the authority.

Article 6

Any of the following practices are considered a violation of the provisions of these controls:

1․ Practicing any activity other than grazing.

2․ Taking livestock out of the designated grazing range, or bringing in additional livestock from outside.

3․ Feeding the wildlife inside the reserve.

4․ Hunting or harming wildlife inside the reserve by injuring, frightening, endangering their lives, or destroying their nests and habitats.

5․ Driving vehicles—and the like—in routes other than those designated for them inside the reserve.

6․ Camping of all kinds (canopies fixed to the ground, sleeping tents, caravans, and privacy screens “ruwaq”) other than the tent of the shepherd.

7․ Lighting or using fire in violation of the controls and requirements of the authority.

8․ Any other practices that violate the relevant laws and regulations.

Article 7

The environmental inspector shall police violations in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the relevant entities in accordance with the legal procedures for that.

Article 8

The authority shall review and update these controls periodically—when needed—with the approval of the head and the notification of the board of directors of the authority.

Article 9

These controls apply and come into force from the date of their publication in the official gazette.


Published in Umm Al-Qura 5069 issued on 14 February 2025.

image_pdf