The Public Authority for Roads in Saudi Arabia is intensifying efforts to raise occupational health and safety standards across major infrastructure projects as the Kingdom prepares for an ambitious 2026 programme of works.
According to SaudiAuto.com, Engineer Badr bin Abdullah Al-Dalami, CEO of the Public Authority for Roads, led discussions that focussed on practical steps to strengthen workplace safety protocols at construction sites.
The gathering emphasised the transition to a new generation of performance contracts, which place greater emphasis on operational efficiency, risk reduction, and compliance with modern health and safety requirements.
These changes form part of a broader drive to ensure that road development keeps pace with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, delivering safer infrastructure while protecting the workforce.
A key outcome of the authority’s recent initiatives is the strategic memorandum of understanding signed in November 2025 with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.
This partnership establishes a formal framework for joint cooperation, including awareness campaigns, training programmes, and the adoption of international best practices tailored to local conditions.
By aligning regulatory oversight with contractor delivery, the agreement aims to create a culture of proactive safety management rather than reactive compliance.
Industry observers note that the road sector remains one of the most labour-intensive areas of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure expansion.
With thousands of workers involved in projects spanning remote regions, the potential for incidents is significant unless robust controls are in place.
The authority’s approach recognises that investing in safety is not only an ethical obligation but also a strategic necessity that can reduce project delays, lower insurance costs, and enhance contractor performance ratings.
Contractors attending the meeting welcomed the clarity provided by the revised contracts, which outline clearer mechanisms for monitoring safety indicators and reporting near-miss incidents.
The updated agreements also encourage the localisation of expertise, ensuring that Saudi nationals benefit from advanced training in hazard identification, emergency response, and sustainable construction methods.
Looking ahead, these measures are expected to contribute to measurable improvements in occupational health outcomes across the sector.
By embedding safety requirements into contractual obligations from the outset, the Public Authority for Roads is signalling a shift towards zero-harm ambitions that mirror global leaders in infrastructure delivery.
The initiatives also support wider national goals of reducing road-related risks, both for workers and the travelling public.
As the Kingdom continues its massive transport modernisation drive, sustained collaboration between government bodies, private contractors, and safety regulators will be essential to maintaining momentum.
