National Urban Policy Saudi Arabia Gains Momentum Through UNDP And UN-Habitat Collaboration

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing is advancing work on Saudi Arabia’s first National Urban Policy, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and international standards. The policy is designed to guide urban growth nationwide, improve planning systems, and support sustainable, balanced development in cities and regions across the Kingdom.

This effort sits within a wider government programme to modernise the urban planning system through cooperation with national and international partners. The programme targets stronger regulations, better institutional capacity, and integrated, sustainable urban development that reflects economic, social, and environmental priorities.

The latest step in developing the National Urban Policy was a second project-phase workshop, held with the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Representatives from government entities, the private sector, academic institutions, and several international organisations attended, ensuring input from different levels of expertise and practice.

Participants reviewed and refined draft policy directions and procedures that will shape the National Urban Policy. The discussions focused on aligning national, regional, and local planning frameworks, and on improving coordination among sectors and levels of government, so that urban policies support shared development goals and reduce fragmented decision-making.

The Ministry confirmed that the National Urban Policy aims to provide a single, coherent framework for urban planning, management, and development. This framework is expected to link planning decisions with Saudi Vision 2030 targets, international best practices, and measurable outcomes related to housing, infrastructure, the environment, and quality of life in Saudi cities.

National Urban Policy tools used worldwide were highlighted as reference points during the workshop. These policies are recognised for improving cross-sector coordination, guiding long-term urban expansion, setting fair priorities, and directing investment towards more productive, inclusive, and sustainable urban areas, while supporting institutional cooperation across government levels.

National Urban Policy and stakeholder participation

Interactive sessions examined major urban challenges and emerging opportunities in Saudi cities, including spatial integration between regions and more efficient use of land and resources. Participants also discussed ways to strengthen institutional coordination, develop clear operational frameworks, and design monitoring systems that can track progress in upcoming phases of the National Urban Policy.

Stakeholders considered practical mechanisms for implementation, follow-up, and evaluation, aiming to ensure that the National Urban Policy delivers a visible impact. Proposals focused on realistic tools that responsible entities can use, such as improved data sharing, unified indicators, and clearer roles for different agencies involved in urban and regional planning.

In his opening remarks, Vice Minister for Urban Planning and Land Affairs Khalid Al-Ghamlas described the development of the NUP as "a strategic step toward improving responses to current and future urban challenges." Al-Ghamlas emphasised that continuous, integrated collaboration among relevant entities is necessary so that the policy reflects national priorities and keeps pace with rapid urban transformation.

Al-Ghamlas noted that the current workshop phase marks an important point in the policy’s development path. Feedback, analyses, and suggestions gathered during the sessions will feed directly into the next draft of the National Urban Policy and help define a clearer and more comprehensive implementation framework for authorities and partners.

UNDP Resident Representative in the Kingdom Nahid Hussein and UN-Habitat Representative Taina Christiansen both underlined the value of combining national experience with international expertise. They stressed that strong institutional cooperation is essential to produce a National Urban Policy that supports sustainable development, social inclusion, and higher quality of life across Saudi cities and regions.

Christiansen explained that an effective National Urban Policy can link economic diversification, housing provision, infrastructure planning, environmental sustainability, and quality of life objectives. Such a framework can also reinforce coordination between institutions and across different tiers of government, ensuring that sector plans are consistent and mutually supportive over the long term.

Senior Director of Policy and Strategy Integration at the Assistant Deputyship for Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Economy and Planning, Aljawhara Al-Quayid, highlighted sustainable urban development as a national priority. Al-Quayid presented how ongoing sustainable development initiatives are being integrated with the National Urban Policy, helping to create one coherent development framework rather than separate, overlapping programmes.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing reiterated its commitment to pursuing a National Urban Policy built on wide participation from stakeholders at every stage. The ministry stated that the policy is intended to reflect the Kingdom’s aspirations for balanced, resilient, and sustainable cities, and to provide a stable reference for future urban planning decisions nationwide.

With inputs from SPA