Keeping our cities clean: A shared responsibility 
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing recently launched an awareness campaign — “Because It’s My Country” — to promote compliance with municipal regulations across Saudi Arabia.
The campaign aims to inspire efforts that enhance urban development, improve facility efficiency, and promote environmental sustainability.
It is expected to positively impact the quality of life in Saudi cities, positioning them as ideal places to live. Key objectives include raising awareness among individuals and institutions about the importance of municipal regulations in improving the urban landscape.
Additionally, the campaign highlights innovative, sustainable solutions for city growth while strengthening partnerships between the community and government entities.
The campaign also aims to streamline procedures that encourage individuals and businesses to comply with regulations by leveraging modern technological tools such as Balady, an interactive platform that promotes community partnership and enhances service quality for beneficiaries by providing information that helps them make informed decisions, contributing to greater satisfaction with municipal services.
Each of us must recognize the importance of our role in preserving the urban environment, keeping our cities clean, and enhancing their beauty — because our nation deserves to shine, always.
The campaign aligns with Vision 2030, especially the Quality of Life Program, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a hub for sports, entertainment, and tourism, and into a country that ranks near the top of places people want to call home.
It aims to enhance public awareness of the idea that the appearance of the Kingdom’s cities reflects their inhabitants, embodying their culture and lifestyle. From this perspective, the campaign highlights the importance of keeping our roads clean and well-maintained, emphasizing our collective responsibility to protect them.
The campaign underscores the undeniable truth that our homeland deserves to be even more beautiful, urging collective efforts to preserve its refined and civilized appearance. For example, this includes the commitment to remove construction waste and protect sidewalks and public facilities. It will also foster deep respect for the environment and a commitment to addressing any unsightliness caused by neglect.
I firmly believe that adhering to municipal regulations is both a national duty and a fundamental societal value that everyone should uphold. Maintaining the beauty of our cities is a shared responsibility for everyone — citizens, government officials, business owners, and construction contractors alike.
Each of us must recognize the importance of our role in preserving the urban environment, keeping our cities clean, and enhancing their beauty — because our nation deserves to shine, always.
• Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst. X: @TalatHafiz
