Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Municipal Fees to Contribute to Diversifying Saudi Revenue Sources | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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A Saudi jeweler counts Saudi Riyal banknotes money after selling gold to a customer in a jewelry shop at the surrounding area of the Grand Mosque during the annual hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah October 20, 2012. REUTERS/AMR ABDALLAH DALSH


Riyadh-Dr. Sultan al-Sultan, member of the Saudi Consultative Council, described the implementation of the National Transformation Program by maximizing the non-oil revenues as an important and vital stage in the diversification of the Saudi economic resources and the promotion of services quality to both citizens and residents.

Sultan told Asharq Al-Awsat that the latest decisions on amending fees of municipal services and organizing billboards, which come as part of initiatives aiming at promoting non-oil revenues, are a positive step that will contribute to promoting services in line with the National Transformation Program adopted by the Saudi government.

The Council of Ministers approved municipal service fees according to a defined schedule, and the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs will issue, within 90 days, the rules and lists for implementing this decision, which will include the amount of each fee so as not to exceed a maximum limit. A timetable will be devised for its gradual implementation. The minister can delay, or stop the implementation of municipal service fees in some cases.

Dr. Sultan sees that the transformation program is ambitious and meets the citizen’s needs for high-quality municipal services that should secure the demands of both citizens and residents.

According to the Consultative Council’s member, the opportunities of non-oil investment and development in different regions in the Kingdom are many and the country needs these opportunities, which will enhance the level of services.

The Council of Ministers decided the following in regards to advertising: Amendment of Article 3 of the regulation of advertising boards regarding advertising fees to range from SAR100 to SAR400 for each square meter or part of it for boards listed in paragraph 2 of Article 1 of these rules; fees will be estimated according to the prime minister for electronic boards based upon the recommendation of the relevant minister.