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RIYADH: New guidelines to unify safety standards and ensure residents are not affected by ongoing infrastructure projects in Riyadh are set to come into effect on Thursday.

The Infrastructure Projects Code provides a unified reference with standardized regulatory guidelines for government entities, utility service providers, contractors and consultants.

Fahad Al-Badah, the CEO of the Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center, told Arab News about the capital’s projects in the coming years, with the city hosting major events such as the FIFA World Cup and World Expo.

He said that the volume of investments in infrastructure projects had exceeded SR1 trillion and included more than 1,000 existing and future schemes over the next five years.

He added: “The code today is in effect the result of an effective partnership between public and private sector workers, asset owners, and contractors.

“More than 100 challenges were addressed within this code to serve as a comprehensive technical reference.”

He said that the code was based on international best practices and standards, taking into account the rapid urban growth in Riyadh.

He added that the capital was witnessing significant growth in the number of projects, and noted that the number of infrastructure licenses had grown by 20 percent annually, reaching more than 150,000 by the end of last year, which was “a record number.”

He explained that the code included performance indicators to measure goals in terms of the number of licenses, safety rates and spending efficiency.

Al-Badah added: “The success of any initiative cannot be measured without an approved measurement mechanism.”

The code includes numerous regulations related to safety and barriers, licensing, execution quality, site cleanliness, signage and information boards, dust and waste control, and ensuring accessibility to homes and public facilities.

The code is also designed to improve work quality and compliance levels, enhance on-site conditions, and ensure the safety of residents, pedestrians and workers.

The code mandates that contractors provide safe pedestrian pathways, coordinate traffic movement, secure project sites around the clock, install standardized identification signage, use warning lighting, clean sites daily, and regularly update permits.

DHAHRAN: Residents of Darin Island on Monday gathered at Salem Al-Mutawa Hall to participate in a blood donation campaign organized by Al-Jazirah Sports Club in collaboration with the Qatif Health Network.

The campaign, “Your Blood is Life,” is rooted in compassion and civic responsibility, the organizers said.

Reem Al-Hamdan, director of social responsibility at Al-Jazirah Sports Club and head of the organizing committee, said the campaign was more than a community event, it was a personal mission.

“When we believe that every drop of blood could mean a new chance at life, we realize that donating blood is not just a voluntary act, it’s a powerful humanitarian message,” she told Arab News.

Al-Hamdan was motivated to set up the event after visits to friends and family in hospitals, where she witnessed the struggles of patients suffering from anemia and other conditions that required transfusions.

“These close and emotional moments made me realize that blood donation isn’t just a choice, it’s a necessity that saves lives and restores hope,” she said.

She also considers the campaign a chance for people to shift their perceptions of sports institutions.

“I saw that the club shouldn’t only be a place for athletic competition, it should also be a platform for social responsibility and health awareness,” Al-Hamdan said.

Among the many participants was journalist Fares Aldrbas, who is a regular donor. “Donating blood is a humanitarian act that helps treat patients and the injured who are in need of transfusions,” he said. 

Aldrbas said he first donated blood for a family member. “I was among the first to step up, and it had a big impact on me. I felt like I had saved a life.”

“Trust in God and donate,” he said. “There is great reward in this, and it’s a humanitarian act truly worth doing.”

A significant moment for Al-Hamdan during the campaign came from a donor who shared his reason for participating.

“He told me, ‘I’m donating today because I remember someone dear who passed away, they couldn’t find blood in time,’” she said.

“That moment touched me deeply and reminded me that what we’re doing here could truly be the difference between life and death.”

The campaign prioritized creating a safe and welcoming space, especially for first timers. A medical team was present to deal with questions and concerns.

“We make sure volunteers feel secure from the moment they arrive and we provide emotional and moral support, we want them to feel they’re part of something meaningful,” Al-Hamdan said. 

She also recalled how a cancer patient insisted on donating despite his illness.

“I felt overwhelming gratitude for him,” she said. “It gave real meaning to the campaign’s name ‘Your Blood is Life’ because even those in pain were trying to give life to others.”

Al-Hamdan hopes to make the campaign a permanent fixture in the community.

“I’d love to see it become an annual event … something that not only supports the blood bank, but raises awareness around anemia and the importance of regular blood donation.”

“This kind of solidarity shows that goodness is still alive in people’s hearts,” she said. “Together we can make a real difference.”