Saudi Arabia’s real estate and urban development sector is undergoing a transformative shift, balancing modernization with cultural heritage. In a recent episode of The Mo Show Podcast, H.E. Ihab Hashani, Vice Minister of Municipalities and Housing, shared his insights on the Kingdom’s evolving architectural landscape. Here are five key takeaways from his conversation:
1. Preserving Architectural Heritage
Saudi Arabia is boldly advancing its mission to safeguard its architectural heritage, recognizing the significance of its diverse cultural identities. H.E. Hashani underscored the importance of preserving the unique character of each region, with the government rolling out comprehensive architectural guidelines to both protect and celebrate traditional designs.
Under the visionary leadership of His Royal Highness, the Development Authority Support Center is driving this pivotal initiative, ensuring that future urban expansion not only honors but seamlessly integrates the nation’s rich cultural and historical legacy. With the project nearing its final stages, a groundbreaking launch is imminent, poised to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s architectural landscape.
2. The Rise of Pedestrian-Friendly Spaces
The conversation highlighted global success stories of pedestrianized streets, drawing inspiration from iconic examples like Pavilion Road in London and innovative urban initiatives in Barcelona.
H.E. Hashani emphasized that Saudi cities are actively embracing the future of urban living, with bold plans to transform key areas by reducing road lanes and expanding sidewalks, paving the way for more walkable, vibrant, and sustainable environments.
3. Expanding Green Spaces for Quality of Life
In the interview, H.E. Hashani emphasized a pivotal element of Saudi Arabia’s urban planning strategy: ensuring that residents have seamless access to green spaces. In 2020, only 59% of the population lived within 800 meters of a park.
By 2024, that figure has surged to 66.6%. He underscores that this is just the beginning, with the ongoing goal of improving accessibility as a cornerstone of the nation’s commitment to sustainable development. Through this effort, the government is not only shaping more livable cities but also championing the wellbeing of its residents, reinforcing its vision for a future where urban spaces thrive in harmony with nature.
4. Urban Code Design and Standardization
H.E. Hashani passionately emphasized the urgent need for standardized building codes that not only preserve but elevate the rich regional heritage, resisting the influx of foreign architectural influences that fail to resonate with Saudi Arabia’s landscape.
He pointed out the incongruity of elements like Roman and Corinthian columns in Saudi homes, which obscure the nation’s true cultural identity. These new regulations, years in the making, are poised to reshape the architectural fabric of cities like Jeddah and Riyadh, ensuring they retain their distinct, authentic identities and eliminate design inconsistencies. This transformative initiative will mark a significant turning point in Saudi urban development.
5. Private Sector Collaboration in Urban Development
The real estate and municipal sectors are increasingly collaborating with the private sector to drive investment and innovation. H.E. Hashani highlighted the Forus platform, launched in 2020, which connects investors with municipal opportunities. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to integrating public and private efforts in shaping the nations urban future.
As Saudi Arabia moves forward with ambitious urban development projects, H.E. Ihab Hashani’s insights reveal a vision that blends modernization with the nation’s rich cultural legacy. By prioritizing heritage preservation, sustainable urban planning, and innovative collaborations with the private sector, Saudi Arabia is not just building cities – it is crafting environments that reflect its past while paving the way for a vibrant future.
With these transformative initiatives in motion, Saudi Arabia’s urban landscape is set to become a global model for balanced, forward-thinking development, offering a glimpse into a future where tradition and innovation coexist seamlessly. The journey ahead promises not only to reshape the country’s real estate sector but also to enhance the quality of life for all its residents, fostering inclusivity, economic opportunity, and a renewed sense of national pride. As these developments unfold, they are sure to create spaces that inspire a new era of creativity, collaboration, and sustainable growth across Saudi Arabia.
To watch the full conversation, click on the link; The Mo Show.
