RIYADH: The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs will host the first urban planning forum in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Program, or UN-Habitat, for a better urban future.
To be held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the three-day forum will kick off in Riyadh on March 29 to discuss “Modern trends in urban planning toward a prosperous city.”
The forum is expected to attract top speakers, decision-makers and international experts, according to Abdul Rahman Al-Asheikh, chairman of the organizing committee of the forum.
Other participants include municipal councils, technology-based companies and management bodies for city planning, professional associations, civil society organizations, urban development companies, regional councils, real estate developers, universities, research centers and transportation and infrastructure consulting firms and offices.
The speakers are expected to discuss the future of Saudi cities in light of modern trends in urban planning, environmental legislation, architectural and urban management and community participation.
They will also review global best practices during the technical session, said Al-Asheikh.
The forum aims at raising awareness about the need to develop urban planning practices in the Kingdom and provide a platform for discussion between multiple stakeholders with the urban environment as a starting point to address new fundamental challenges witnessed in the 21st century.
He said the forum will also exhibit products and pointed out that cities are increasingly tested in developed and developing countries alike because of the negative effects left by climate change caused by global warming, the depletion of resources, environmental pollution, demographic growth and economic slowdown; therefore, the experts will brainstorm on all these factors reshaping towns and cities.
He noted that Saudi cities are excluded from facing some of these challenges, however, it continues to test the rapid rise in the rates of urbanization including the consequences of overcrowding and increasing imbalances caused by income inequality, environmental degradation shrinking public spaces, and the lack of means of transport and mobility.
He pointed out that more than 82 percent of the Kingdom’s population is now living in urban areas, which is expected to rise. Therefore, he said, urban planning becomes a great priority for the government as well as partners in the private, academic and civil sectors.
With this forum, the ministry seeks to achieve an increase in competitive and sustainable cities to raise the efficiency of services, and improve the ways and methods of urban planning and development in the Kingdom with qualified staff to embrace innovative ideas and solutions.
UN-Habitat has developed a unique position supporting urban development, and the planning and building of a better urban future for the next generations.
KSA, UN-Habitat to discuss future of Saudi cities in March
KSA, UN-Habitat to discuss future of Saudi cities in March
Makkah’s urban shift enhances the city’s quality of life
- By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future
MAKKAH: Islam’s holiest city is currently witnessing a qualitative urban shift, one that seamlessly blends its profound spiritual sanctity with a modern, vibrant lifestyle. By integrating cultural, educational, and entertainment initiatives, Makkah is redefining the visitor experience and significantly enhancing the quality of life for its residents, directly supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The city’s transformation was recently highlighted by the success of the Makkah winter season. The event attracted approximately 400,000 visitors — over 60% of whom were locals — demonstrating a strong domestic demand for high-quality public spaces.
The season revitalized community interaction, driving a 35% increase in visits to recreational sites and creating more than 1,200 temporary jobs for the local workforce.
Central to this urban renaissance is the Hira Cultural District. Since opening its doors in January 2023 near the historic Mount Hira, the district has become a definitive landmark that bridges Islamic history with contemporary identity.
Far from being a static monument, the district has cultivated a thriving creative economy. Its craftsmanship program, which features over 100 artisans, has generated up to SAR 3 million in sales and attracted 130,000 visitors to live workshops. These interactive spaces allow visitors to engage directly with the region’s heritage, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
A living legacy
The shift extends to Makkah’s broader ecosystem of museums and cultural sites, which are now positioned as key pillars of cultural tourism. Facilities like the Revelation Exhibition use cutting-edge technology and multilingual content to narrate the story of the Holy Quran’s revelation, offering an immersive experience that complements the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
These efforts align with the “Makkah: A Living Legacy” campaign, which seeks to document the city’s historical narrative and preserve its collective memory. Recent months have seen a surge in educational workshops for university students and tour guides, ensuring that the human element of Makkah’s history is conveyed with accuracy and depth.
Economic and social impact
The results of this integrated approach are tangible. Specialized museums and restored historic sites now attract up to 1.6 million annual visitors. Crucially, this cultural enrichment is encouraging pilgrims to linger longer, increasing the average duration of stay by 18%.
By harmonizing its religious heritage with modern urban development, Makkah is proving that a city can honor its past while vigorously embracing the future, offering a holistic experience that nourishes both the soul and the community.
