NCEC Reports Issuance Of 5,432 Environmental Permits In First Half Of 2025

The National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) reported issuing 5,432 environmental permits in the first half of 2025. This aligns with the growth of new establishments and the environmental labour market, marking progress towards sustainable development goals. It also strengthens adherence to environmental standards as outlined in the Environmental Law and its executive regulations.

Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, Director of Licensing and Permits at NCEC, stated that these permits are crucial for the national strategy on environmental protection and sustainability. He highlighted that more establishments obtaining permits indicates rising investor interest in compliance, ensuring economic activities continue without harming the environment.

In the same timeframe, over 86 licenses were granted to environmental service providers. These providers help establishments meet regulatory requirements by preparing environmental reports, corrective plans, rehabilitation efforts, and other services to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

The market for environmental services expanded with 59 new consulting offices entering the field. This increased the total number of licensed service providers to 511. Additionally, around 15 licensed environmental laboratories began offering analytical testing services for establishments impacting the environment, raising the total number of specialized laboratories to 33.

During this period, five licenses were issued to environmental training centers. These centers play a vital role in educating professionals about compliance with environmental laws and regulations. The growing number of licensed entities reflects a commitment to maintaining high standards in environmental management.

The developments in licensing and permits indicate a robust framework supporting sustainable practices across various sectors. By encouraging compliance through strategic initiatives, NCEC aims to balance economic growth with environmental preservation effectively.

With inputs from SPA