Riyadh: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), organized the inaugural workshop to launch the drafting of the National Urban Policy (NUP) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Representatives from government and private entities, academic institutions, and international partners attended the workshop.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this workshop marks one of the first steps toward developing a comprehensive NUP that promotes balanced and sustainable urban development, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and relevant international commitments.
The workshop featured interactive discussions on the proposed structure of the NUP. Key topics included enhancing urban density and integrated planning, increasing the efficiency of resource use in urban areas, achieving spatial balance and integration among regions, improving quality of life and community cohesion, supporting economic vitality and productivity, and strengthening coordination and institutional integration across various sectors.
Participants emphasized the importance of activating these elements in accordance with the Kingdom's national context and ensuring alignment with local priorities, while also drawing on international best practices and experiences.
This initiative is part of a broader program led by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing to develop urban planning across the Kingdom, in partnership with national and international entities. The program aims to strengthen regulatory and legislative frameworks for urban planning, build institutional capacity, and enable integrated and sustainable urban development.
The effort reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing a national urban policy rooted in international best practices and aligned with its long-term vision for comprehensive and sustainable urban growth.