RIYADH: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has started the next phase of the Saudi Architecture Characters Map rollout in Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir, and Makkah following its official launch earlier this month.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Vice Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ihab AlHashani detailed the next steps and outlined the robust coordination efforts underway to ensure the project’s success.

AlHashani emphasized the long preparation behind the initiative: “The architectural map of Saudi Arabia is really a project that has been in the (works) for over two years, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”

The ministry, he said, is concentrating on building awareness and preparing the industry for the upcoming rollout.

“The immediate step now that we have launched is really to kind of heighten awareness and start training some of the architects (to) launch in the four cities that were announced, at Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir (and) Makkah.”

Saudi Architecture provides developers across the Kingdom with guidelines for building styles.

The Characters Map introduces 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by regional identities, aiming to reflect Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity through its built environment.

The long-term vision of the project is to create more walkable and sustainable cities.

“We are working on broader strategy to kind of develop the five, 10, 15-minute cities in Saudi Arabia, where you can go to work, do your basic needs with a walkable distance,” he said.

AlHashani stressed that training architects is crucial for smooth implementation. He noted the extensive groundwork already laid out before the public launch.

“We have a massive program ongoing, starting with the communication that we are doing now … this has the training started way before the launch, so to make sure that we hit the ground running. The efforts are significant.”

He also highlighted the technical and digital support behind the initiative. “There (are) the digital tools in place that have been implemented already, part of the Balady platform. And of course, the ongoing communications with … the municipalities, and of course, our partners, the regional development authorities,” he added.

Addressing the evolution of design influences, AlHashani explained how previous examples have informed the current codes. He remarked on the role that pioneering projects played in shaping the national approach.

“Any successful example of (an) architectural design guideline was taken into account in developing these codes … our designs (are) inspired somewhat by Diriyah … but mostly it’s more covering the entire area of the central region.”

Looking ahead, he confirmed that implementation is already visible on the ground.

He added that the rollout is set to accelerate, with numerous examples expected in the near future: “There will be many examples in the coming 12 months … of these guidelines being implemented on the ground.”

To ensure a uniform application of the new design codes, the ministry has integrated the guidelines into its licensing process. AlHashani explained how digital enforcement plays a key role.

“Balady platform already has kind of a geospatial element in it, where each zone is already linked to the license that is issued. So, if you apply for a license in Taif, then the guidelines will come up as the requirements that you will have to (adhere to) in terms of design.”

Public engagement and outreach are also essential components of the initiative. AlHashani underscored the breadth of the ministry’s reach through its extensive municipal network.

“The municipal sector is the largest sector in Saudi Arabia … that has access and reach to the citizen.

“You deal with the with us on a daily basis, even without you knowing. We have for instance 285 (municipalities). We have 17 amanahs (administrative divisions). We are present everywhere in Saudi Arabia.”

He further emphasized the role of workshops and stakeholder meetings as vital tools for ensuring that all parties are aligned with the new standards.

“More importantly (are) the kind of the workshops that we have with key stakeholders in (these) structures such as the architectural firms, the big developers, and of course, the giga projects.”

Looking to the future, AlHashani touched on the broader strategic goals that underpin the initiative.

He explained that success will not only be measured by the immediate application of design guidelines but also by their impact on urban planning, with “major (key performance indicators).”

With integrated digital tools, targeted training, and extensive stakeholder engagement, the Saudi Architecture Characters Map aims to redefine urban development across the Kingdom while remaining rooted in its rich cultural heritage.