Riyadh makes full infrastructure delivery mandatory for new housing

The Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Centre (RIPC) has confirmed that new residential plans in Riyadh will not be approved unless all home connections to essential infrastructure networks have been fully implemented.

The requirement is set out in the Home Connections Guide, which has been adopted as a core component of the Residential Plans Readiness Initiative under the “Usul” programme. The centre said the measure is intended to ensure that new residential developments are supported by complete, reliable and expandable infrastructure from the outset.

According to RIPC, the Home Connections Guide serves as a comprehensive reference that standardises how home connections are planned and delivered. It defines the obligations of all parties involved and aligns implementation procedures with approved technical standards, materials and regulatory requirements.

New rule ensures homes are fully connected

The guide also clarifies coordination mechanisms with water, electricity and telecommunications service providers, while setting out clear technical and regulatory responsibilities.

The centre said making infrastructure completion a prerequisite for approval will improve planning and execution efficiency, enhance the reliability of infrastructure projects and ensure residential neighbourhoods are fully prepared before occupancy. This approach is expected to contribute positively to the urban landscape and overall quality of life in the capital.

RIPC added that the guide is available on its official website and has been communicated through its LinkedIn channels.

The Home Connections Guide forms part of the wider “Usul” programme, launched by RIPC to regulate how infrastructure projects are planned and implemented across Riyadh. The programme is designed to strengthen coordination between relevant entities, raise execution standards and improve the quality and consistency of infrastructure delivery citywide.

RIPC said the “Usul” programme comprises nine initiatives aimed at streamlining infrastructure development as Riyadh continues to expand. Its launch comes amid strong growth in the sector, with the centre recording a 29 per cent increase in activity during 2025.

More than 600 contractors and project implementers are currently involved in infrastructure works under the programme, alongside 110 public and private sector entities operating across energy, water, telecommunications and road networks. The centre said the scale of participation highlights the importance of integrated planning to support the capital’s rapid residential and urban growth.

RIPC said linking residential approvals to completed infrastructure reflects its broader objective of supporting sustainable urban development, reducing delays during later construction phases and ensuring new neighbourhoods are delivered fully serviced from day one.