Preliminary

Environmental
Impact Assessment
Report

Riyadh East Plot 4,

Saudi Arabia

Office Aspects and Impacts_Rev.1

Environmental Management
Document History

Revision Description Purpose of Issue Date

01 First Issue For Use 03.10.2024

Document Approval

Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by

Name Shaji Vahid Jayaprakash Murali Matthew Nield

Regional Infrastructure
Job Title QHSE Manager Sustainability Engineer
Director

Signature

Office Aspects and Impacts_Rev.1

Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary............................................................................................................................ 3
1.1 Project Details............................................................................................................................. 4
2 Introduction & Purpose of the Assessment:......................................................................................4
3 Site Description................................................................................................................................... 5
4 Regulatory Framework........................................................................................................................ 5
5 Desktop EIA Analysis.......................................................................................................................... 6
6 Desktop Site Assessment................................................................................................................... 6
7 Land Use and Agriculture.................................................................................................................... 7
7.1 Soil.............................................................................................................................................. 7
8 Nearby Amenities................................................................................................................................ 7
9 Implications for Development.............................................................................................................. 8
10 Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................... 8
11 Summary of Key Findings................................................................................................................... 8
11.1 Advantages.................................................................................................................................. 8

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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Global climate change, driven by increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—particularly CO2—poses
a significant threat to the environment, development, and sustainability. Consequently, improving
environmental quality by reducing emissions is essential for achieving sustainable development goals.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, recognized as one of the top twenty economies due to its vast oil reserves
and rapid economic growth, faces unique challenges in this context.

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) evaluates the potential environmental effects of the
proposed Riyadh Central Plot, situated in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As the importance of environmental
sustainability continues to rise, this assessment provides a thorough analysis of the project's implications
for the surrounding ecosystem, community, and economy.

1.1 Project Details

S.No Description Details

1 Project Name Riyadh Central Plot

2 Location Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

3 Coordinates 24.701740° N, 46.747774° E

4 Site Area 39,000 square meters

5 Current Status Undeveloped

6 Nearby Amenities Restaurants, places of worship, schools

7 EIA Process Preliminary desktop analysis

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2 INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE OF
THE ASSESSMENT:
The EIA process involves a preliminary examination of both the environmental impacts associated with
the plot. By identifying potential risks and opportunities, this assessment will facilitate the development of
effective mitigation strategies, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and promoting
sustainable practices.

3 SITE DESCRIPTION
The proposed project site is situated in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, covering an area of approx. 39,000 square
meters. Geographically, it is located at coordinates 24.701740° N latitude and 46.747774° E longitude,
positioning it in a rapidly developing urban environment characterized by a mix of residential, commercial,
and industrial uses.

Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is a bustling metropolitan area that has seen significant growth
and urbanization in recent decades. The surrounding landscape is predominantly deserted, interspersed
with urban infrastructure, and amenities. The site is near major road networks, facilitating access and
transport

Figure 1 .Site Location (Google Earth)

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The regulatory framework governing environmental assessments in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is shaped by
national laws and local regulations designed to protect the environment and promote sustainable
development. Key regulations include:

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1. **Environmental Protection Law (Royal Decree No. M/34)**

2. **Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations**

3. **National Development Plans**

5 DESKTOP EIA ANALYSIS

A preliminary desktop Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) analysis has been carried out
professionally to provide a preliminary evaluation of the proposed project. This method involves the
systematic collection and review of existing data, documents, and literature, allowing us to assess
potential environmental impacts.

The key objectives conducted during the Desktop Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) were as
follows:

 Data Gathering: Relevant information was collected from existing studies, environmental
databases, and regulatory documents to establish a baseline understanding of the site's
environmental conditions.

 Impact Identification: Potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project
were analyzed by reviewing similar case studies, regional environmental assessments, and
applicable regulations.

 Mitigation Strategies: Existing mitigation measures implemented in comparable contexts were

explored to inform recommendations for minimizing potential impacts.

6 DESKTOP SITE ASSESSMENT

The Riyadh Central Plot is situated in an area characterized by its undeveloped status, indicating that it
has not previously undergone significant construction or urban development. This presents a unique
opportunity for future development while also necessitating a careful assessment of the site’s current
conditions and potential impacts.

7 LAND USE AND AGRICULTURE

The plot does not currently support any major agricultural activities, and no significant crops were found
in the vicinity. This absence of agricultural use suggests that the land has remained relatively untouched,
which may be advantageous for development as it minimizes the risk of disrupting established farming
practices or displacing agricultural communities.

Figure 2 :Reference: https://www.researchgate.net

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8 NEARBY AMENITIES
Despite its undeveloped status, the surrounding area boasts several essential amenities that enhance the
attractiveness of the plot for potential development:

 Restaurants: A variety of dining options nearby can contribute to the local economy and provide
convenience for future residents or businesses. This availability of restaurants indicates a vibrant
community that values accessible dining experiences.

 Places of Worship: The presence of mosques and other places of worship in the vicinity serves
as a vital community resource. These spaces not only cater to the spiritual needs of the local
population but also foster community cohesion and cultural identity.

 Educational Institutions: Nearby schools offer essential educational services to families in the
area. The proximity of educational facilities can be a significant advantage for residential
developments, as it enhances the appeal to families seeking access to quality education for their
children.

9 IMPLICATIONS FOR
DEVELOPMENT
The undeveloped nature of the Riyadh Central Plot, combined with the presence of nearby amenities,
presents a favourable scenario for future projects. This can leverage the existing community
infrastructure to enhance the viability of new developments, whether residential, commercial, or mixed-
use.

Overall, the Riyadh Central Plot represents an opportunity for sustainable development that aligns with
the growing needs of the community while preserving the integrity of the local environment.

10 Conclusion
11 SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed Riyadh Central Plot has highlighted
several key findings regarding its environmental implications. The site, covering approximately 39,000
square meters, is in a rapidly urbanizing area of Riyadh, characterized by its undeveloped status and
absence of significant agricultural activities. This provides a unique opportunity for development while
necessitating careful consideration of potential environmental impacts. The assessment identified existing
amenities, such as restaurants, places of worship, and educational institutions, which enhance the site's
attractiveness for future projects.

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11.1 Advantages

1. Minimal Disruption to Agriculture: The absence of major agricultural activities on the plot means that
development can occur without displacing existing farming communities or disrupting established
agricultural practices, thereby minimizing social and economic tensions.

2. Enhanced Community Infrastructure: The proximity to essential amenities such as dining options,
places of worship, and educational institutions supports the development of a vibrant community,
potentially improving residents' quality of life and fostering local economic growth.

Overall, the Riyadh Central Plot presents an opportunity for sustainable development that aligns with
community needs while necessitating careful planning to mitigate potential environmental impacts.

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