Saudi Arabia Builds First National Urban Policy With UN Help

Saudi Arabia just took a major step toward building better cities for its growing population.

In February, over 20 government agencies, private companies, universities, and international partners gathered in Riyadh for the second workshop on Saudi Arabia's first National Urban Policy. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing is leading the effort with support from the United Nations Development Programme and UN-Habitat.

The new policy tackles a challenge facing rapidly developing nations everywhere: how to coordinate infrastructure, housing, services, and environmental protection as cities expand. Without a unified plan, different government departments can work against each other, wasting resources and creating problems for residents.

Participants reviewed draft policies and clarified who does what across different levels of government. They focused on creating practical ways to measure progress and hold institutions accountable. The discussions built on findings from the first workshop held seven months earlier in July 2025.

UNDP Resident Representative Nahid Hussein emphasized that Saudi Arabia is driving the process itself. The UN organizations are providing technical expertise, but the Kingdom maintains full ownership of the policy direction. This approach ensures the policy fits Saudi Arabia's unique needs and Vision 2030 development goals.

The Ripple Effect reaches far beyond city planning documents. A clear national urban policy helps cities attract investment, deliver services efficiently, and improve quality of life for residents. It promotes balanced growth across different regions instead of concentration in a few major cities.

The framework also addresses environmental sustainability, an increasingly urgent concern as urban areas expand. By coordinating land use planning and infrastructure investment upfront, Saudi Arabia can avoid costly mistakes and build cities designed for long-term success.

The three-year partnership between the Ministry and UN agencies combines local knowledge with international best practices from countries that have successfully managed urban transformation. National Urban Policies have proven effective worldwide as tools to clarify responsibilities, guide sustainable development, and foster cooperation across government levels.

Workshop outcomes will shape the next version of the policy and its monitoring framework. The participatory approach ensures input from diverse stakeholders who will eventually implement and live with these guidelines.

The process represents a forward-looking approach to urban governance that could serve as a model for other rapidly developing nations facing similar coordination challenges.

Through patient collaboration and structured stakeholder engagement, Saudi Arabia is building the foundation for cities that work better for everyone.