RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in conjunction with other authorities, is continuing efforts to improve the urban landscape and enrich the lives of citizens and residents.
Various initiatives have been launched under the Quality of Life Program, including projects to develop public spaces and places. The Saudi Press Agency reported a per capita gain of 6.16 sq. meters in some municipalities, ahead of the planned 4.65 sq. meters per capita.
Green cover in cities has increased considerably, with 8,328 gardens and parks totaling 161.5 million sq. meters. More than 24 million trees have been planted and 222.9 million sq. meters of green space developed. The number of playgrounds in the Kingdom has reached 5,515 and there are 257 cultural centers, 4,449 parking spaces, and 649 festive squares.
The Bahja project was launched in several municipalities at the end of last year to transform disused spaces into active urban areas, to create parks in cities and residential areas, and to improve the quality of life and well-being of residents. The Green Suburbs Project will see more than 1.2 million trees planted in more than 50 housing projects across the Kingdom.
Since the launch of the Quality of life Program, there have been significant strides in improving urban areas through innovative projects in urban design. The road network was extended by about 2,500 kilometers, over 146,000 new lighting poles were installed, and seven new bridges were constructed. One more tunnel was built and six pedestrian bridges have been finished.
The digital transformation initiative introduced in the municipal sector offers new digital services, such as the interactive municipal advisor platform for commercial licensing information, and the unified Asas system for government resource planning.
The number of commercial licenses has also increased, rising 35.7 percent to 697,457. There has also been a 50 percent rise in renewed licenses.
In a governmental digital transformation assessment, the ministry achieved a score of 88.64 percent. Its Sakani Metaverse platform and Balady app have garnered international recognition, winning the Middle East Technology Excellence Award and the 2023 World Summit on the Information Society Excellence Award respectively. Sakani provides real estate services through its digital channels, while Balady’s 200+ digital services include interactive maps.
In 2023, the initiative to develop the municipal real estate investment sector led to 30 strategic investment services being launched through the Furas platform. In addition, over 5,700 contracts were signed by various municipalities and entities, 12 entities were empowered to present and manage their investment and real estate opportunities, and the Municipal Investment Forum saw significant investment opportunities and agreements worth more than SR12 billion ($3.19 billion) signed.
As part of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s initiative to develop services for foreign workers and improve their living conditions, a comprehensive service guide was issued to inform workers of their rights, duties, regulations and laws.
The “Voice of the Beneficiaries” service was also launched to enable guest workers to share their opinions and instantly give their feedback on the quality of services provided. The beneficiary care center was also equipped with video and audio recording features to enhance the quality of service and transparency.
Quality of Life Program continues urban transformation in Saudi Arabia
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Quality of Life Program continues urban transformation in Saudi Arabia
- Various initiatives have been launched under the Quality of Life Program, including projects to develop public spaces and places
- Green cover in cities has increased considerably, with 8,328 gardens and parks totaling 161.5 million sq. meters
New partnership to enhance museum accessibility for people with disabilities
- MoU aims to develop joint policies and strategies to empower people with disabilities in museum-related fields
RIYADH: The Museums Commission and the Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities signed a memorandum of understanding at the National Museum in Riyadh on Sunday.
The memorandum, which was signed by Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, acting CEO of the commission, and Hisham Al-Haidary, CEO of the authority, aims to develop joint policies and strategies to empower people with disabilities in museum-related fields.
The memorandum underscores the commitment of both entities to provide a safe, inclusive environment that upholds the rights of people with disabilities and enhances their participation in society, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also seeks to highlight the Kingdom’s cultural and historic identity while addressing the physical and emotional needs of people with disabilities to ensure their full access to museums and cultural programs.
Al-Haidary explained that the partnership aimed to achieve key objectives for empowering people with disabilities. He said: “We seek to provide comprehensive accessibility in museums and train staff on interacting with this group, including training tour guides in sign language for visitors with hearing impairments.”
Regarding visitor experience evaluation, Al-Haidary spoke of a clear mechanism agreed with the commission, including tracking visitors with disabilities, collecting data via surveys, and analyzing feedback on social media. Periodic reports will be prepared and shared with relevant entities to ensure continuous improvement.
Al-Sanousi said that the commission was evaluating all its museums to meet the highest safety and comfort standards for people with disabilities.
He said: “Efforts will include modifying infrastructure, providing safe pathways, immediate support services, and designated areas within museums.”
He also highlighted plans to strengthen partnerships with educational institutions and the nonprofit sector to increase participation in cultural activities. Policies would include organizing special visits and interactive educational programs to engage people with disabilities and promote access to cultural resources.
The initiative is part of the ongoing development of the museum environment in the Kingdom, ensuring accessibility for everyone and promoting the involvement of people with disabilities in cultural and heritage activities.
Saudi project clears 766 Houthi mines in Yemen
- Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 458,477 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018
RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 766 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.
The total included 12 anti-personnel mines, 41 anti-tank mines, 702 unexploded ordnances and 11 explosive devices, according to a recent report.
Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 458,477 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.
The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Riyadh wins bid to host UN World Data Forum 2026
- Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global statistical advancement recognized
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics, has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh.
It was recently announced by the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The decision followed a majority vote after a review of proposals from competing countries, highlighting their ability to host the global event.
Fahad Al-Dossari, president of the General Authority for Statistics, presented Saudi Arabia’s bid during the group’s meeting. His presentation outlined the authority’s advancements in statistical work, the Kingdom’s experience hosting international events and its capacity to provide logistical support for such gatherings.
The proposal also introduced a suggested theme for the forum: “Using the Latest Technologies and Methodologies to Enhance Global Statistical Systems and Enable Sustainable Development.”
Al-Dossari said: “Hosting this event reflects the Kingdom’s prominent status, affirming King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s commitment to supporting the statistical sector, recognizing the crucial role of statistical data in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.”
He added: “Winning the bid to host the 2026 UN World Data Forum highlights the progress made in the statistical field, driven by initiatives from the General Authority for Statistics, which aim to produce accurate and updated data through improved data management and governance.”
The forum, targeting 193 UN member states, reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting high-quality statistical data and indicators. It will invite participants from international organizations, UN member states’ statistical offices and data scientist groups.
Makkah’s first stone park to promote sustainability
- The project aims to improve park landscapes, promote environmental sustainability, and blend natural beauty with local heritage using sustainable technologies
RIYADH: Makkah municipality is building the first stone park on 1,000 square meters, using recycled materials and leftover stones from local projects.
The project aims to improve park landscapes, promote environmental sustainability, and blend natural beauty with local heritage using sustainable technologies, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The park will feature eco-friendly materials, seating areas, educational paths, and children’s play spaces, with minimal maintenance required due to the durable stone used.
The design adapts to climate changes, considering temperature shifts and rainfall, while allowing for easy modifications, SPA stated.
Saudi Arabia to showcase sustainable hunting at Qatar expo
- The authority aims to promote sustainable hunting and showcase its expertise in the Shamal Reserve for Sustainable Hunting
RIYADH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority will participate in the eighth Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition in Qatar from Sept. 10 to 14.
The authority aims to promote sustainable hunting and showcase its expertise in the Shamal Reserve for Sustainable Hunting.
It will highlight efforts to increase game populations, protect biodiversity, and preserve traditional hunting methods, all while adhering to environmental sustainability standards.
The Shamal Reserve, located within the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, covers 2,000 sq. km. It offers comprehensive services and a unique hunting experience, attracting enthusiasts from the Kingdom and Gulf states.
Spanning 91,500 sq. km, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is the second-largest royal reserve, home to 138 wildlife species and 179 plant species. It is known for its rich ecology, stunning landscapes, and heritage sites.
Efforts over the past four years have significantly increased populations of endangered species like the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, houbara bustard, and red-necked ostrich, while also fostering a resurgence of reptiles and insects.
