Riyadh - Mubasher : In a move aimed at developing Saudi cities, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched an architectural map that includes 19 architectural styles derived from the Kingdom's cultural and geographical characteristics. It is expected that Saudi architecture will contribute more than SAR 8 billion to the cumulative GDP, while providing more than 34,000 job opportunities in the engineering, construction, and urban development sectors by 2030.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Crown Prince affirmed that the launch of the Saudi Architecture Map, which reflects the Kingdom's cultural and geographical diversity, is part of efforts to develop sustainable urban cities that are in harmony with the local landscape and employ traditional architectural styles with modern methods.

He said: "Saudi architecture represents a blend of rich heritage and contemporary design. We are working to enhance the urban landscape and enhance the quality of life, achieving a balance between past and present and serving as a global source of inspiration for innovation in architectural design."

Prince Mohammed bin Salman noted that Saudi architecture contributes to indirect economic development by increasing the attractiveness of cities, which in turn increases the number of visitors and tourists and supports the growth of sectors related to tourism, hospitality, and construction.

Saudi Arabia aims to modernize its cities as part of its development plan. In October 2022, the Public Investment Fund established a company for this purpose, called Downtown Saudi. The company aims to contribute to developing urban infrastructure and strengthening strategic partnerships with the private sector and investors by offering new investment opportunities in the business, shopping, tourism, entertainment, and housing sectors.

The company is developing more than 10 million square meters of projects designed in a modern style inspired by the spirit and culture of the Kingdom's regions, across 12 cities: Medina, Khobar, Al-Ahsa, Buraidah, Najran, Jizan, Hail, Al-Baha, Arar, Taif, Dumat Al-Jandal, and Tabuk, according to a statement issued upon its launch.

The Saudi architectural map, announced today, includes 19 architectural styles, each reflecting the geographical, natural, and cultural characteristics of a region in the Kingdom. The design is based on urban and historical studies that reflect building patterns inherited across generations. These styles are: Najdi architecture, northern Najdi architecture, Tabuk coastal architecture, Medina architecture, Medina countryside architecture, Hijazi coastal architecture, Taif architecture, Sarawat Mountains architecture, Asir Asir architecture, Tihama foothills architecture, Tihama coastal architecture, Abha highlands architecture, Farasan Islands architecture, Bisha desert architecture, Najran architecture, Al-Ahsa oases architecture, Qatif architecture, eastern coast architecture, and eastern Najdi architecture.

It has been decided to begin implementing design guidelines related to Saudi architecture in Al-Ahsa, Taif, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, and Abha. The implementation will begin with major projects, government buildings, and commercial buildings, relying on flexible designs that allow for the use of local building materials without imposing additional financial burdens on owners or developers.