Latest news with #MinistryofMunicipalitiesandHousing
Arab News
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi ministers highlight real estate and urban-planning successes under Vision 2030
RIYADH: Ministers on Monday showcased the achievements so far within Saudi Arabia's real estate and housing sector since the launch in 2016 of Vision 2030, the Kingdom's plan for national development and diversification, and the effects it is having on future strategies. Housing minister Majid Alhogail highlighted in particular his ministry's achievements over the past year, including the development of the Khuzam modern-housing suburb on the outskirts of Riyadh. 'This model is one of the examples that greatly helped in changing the concept of housing into a living environment,' he said. 'Last year was a leader in many achievements, investments, industry and logistics services, where the municipal sector plays a significant and influential role.' The municipal and housing sector accounts for 14 percent of the Kingdom's gross domestic product, the housing sector provides more than 500,000 jobs, and more than 300,000 entities operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, Alhogail said. He also noted the growth of investment in the real estate market, adding: 'The construction and real estate sector contributed more than 16 percent of total foreign investment flows, reflecting investors' confidence in the readiness of cities and the regulatory environment we are continuously developing.' He also highlighted the important need to create a balanced environment within modern smart cities that can better serve the needs of citizens and enhance their quality of life, and said this is something to which he is fully committed. 'We have worked in the municipal and housing sector to redefine the city as a balanced, green, smart environment that meets needs and inspires ambition for residents,' he said as he stressed the importance of ensuring cities are designed for the benefit of people rather than for cars. 'By the end of this year, we also aim to achieve a 61 percent increase in residents' access to public spaces within an 800-meter radius. 'Regarding quality of life in the municipal sector, we have been keen since day one to ensure that the city is not just a place to live but rather a complete space for life.' Six Saudi cities are now officially ranked as smart cities by the IMD World Smart Cities Index, Alhogail noted — AlUla. Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Jeddah and Alkhobar — reflecting the achievements within the sector. His ministry considers effective urban planning as the starting point for the development and improvement of municipal spaces, he continued. This was also reflected by the launch last month of the Saudi Architecture Characters Map, guided by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which aims to enrich the urban landscape through the celebration of 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by the Kingdom's cultural and natural heritage. The Saudi media minister, Salman Aldosari, also spoke about the achievements to date within the sector and noted that some objectives were met ahead of schedule. Acknowledging the challenges and opportunities arising from Vision 2030, he said that Saudi ambitions have surpassed the obstacles, adding: 'The year 2024 (was) the year of records.'
Trade Arabia
23-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Global project management experts set for major Saudi forum
Leading global players in project management sector and other industry leaders will be in Riyadh next month for the Global Project Management Forum (GPMF), where they will explore how emerging technologies, agile practices, and human capital are reshaping the future of project delivery across sectors. One of the region's largest industry events, GPMF 2025, will run from May 17 to 19 under the theme 'Next-Gen Project Management: The Power of People, Processes and Technology.' Held under the patronage of Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al Hogail, the three-day show will draw over 13,000 participants including project management professionals, government officials and industry leaders. It is organized in partnership with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, Roads General Authority, and the Project Development Company. Set to be the largest and most transformative yet, the Forum aims to unite global visionaries, cutting-edge innovators, and strategic decision-makers for three days of insight, inspiration and innovation. More than 100 speakers from government, giga-projects, technology, and finance sector will at the event including Lee R. Lambert, the Co-founder of the PMP certification; Americo Pinto, the Managing Director of PMO Global Alliance at PMI; Alex Osterwalder, an author, speaker, consultant and entrepreneur in addition to former Austrian minister Margarete Schramboeck and Saudi Arabia's first female skydiver Razan Al Ajmmi. On the opening day of GPMF 2025, paid masterclasses will offer training in agile transformation, stakeholder management, project finance and other key areas aimed at building future-ready project capabilities. "It is more than a forum - it's a catalyst for progress," remarked Badr Burshaid, the Chairman of the Global Project Management Forum. "Together with global pioneers, we are not just discussing the future of project management - we are shaping it," he stated.
Arab News
23-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Green Building Forum to convene in Riyadh this October
Riyadh: The15th edition of the Saudi Green Building Forum will take place in Riyadh from October 1-3, 2025, state news agency SPA reported on the patronage of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the forum will focus on challenges, green and comprehensive solutions, and best practices supporting Saudi Vision 2030. This year's edition serves as a strategic platform to review progress at the midpoint of integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the Kingdom's development. It will feature the participation of national and international leaders, and representatives from major development projects in Saudi Arabia. This edition reinforces the forum's pivotal role in supporting national and international sustainability initiatives and enhancing the Kingdom's leadership in ecological and architectural transformation regionally and globally.
Leaders
30-03-2025
- Health
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Closes Food Factories, Branches Amid Poisoning Concerns
Saudi authorities have temporarily shut two food factories and multiple retail branches of a company following suspected poisoning cases. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing confirmed the closures on Sunday to prioritize consumer safety. Field teams coordinated with municipal offices across regions and launched swift inspections. Officials emphasized these steps aim to protect public health during ongoing investigations. Health and Safety Prioritized Most impacted individuals have fully recovered, according to ministry reports. Remaining patients remain stable and continue receiving medical care. Furthermore, authorities now collaborate with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) to investigate contamination risks. Facilities and outlets will stay closed until investigations and lab tests conclude. The ministry reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward health violations. It pledged ongoing coordination with regulators to enforce food safety standards nationwide. However, officials warned against spreading unconfirmed claims about the incidents. Citizens must rely on official ministry channels for accurate updates, the statement stressed. This proactive response underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to rapid health crisis management. Transparent communication and strict regulations aim to maintain public trust in food safety systems. Short link : Post Views: 1 Related Stories
Arab News
24-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Architecture Characters Map begins implementation with digital tools and training
RIYADH: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has started the next phase of the Saudi Architecture Characters Map rollout in Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir, and Makkah following its official launch earlier this month. In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Deputy Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ehab Ghazi Al-Hashani detailed the next steps and outlined the robust coordination efforts underway to ensure the project's success. Al-Hashani emphasized the long preparation behind the initiative: 'The architectural map of Saudi Arabia is really a project that has been in the (works) for over two years, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.' The ministry, he said, is concentrating on building awareness and preparing the industry for the upcoming rollout. 'The immediate step now that we have launched is really to kind of heighten awareness and start training some of the architects (to) launch in the four cities that were announced, at Taif, Al-Ahsa, Asir (and) Makkah.' Saudi Architecture provides developers across the Kingdom with guidelines for building styles. The Characters Map introduces 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by regional identities, aiming to reflect Saudi Arabia's cultural diversity through its built environment. The long-term vision of the project is to create more walkable and sustainable cities. 'We are working on broader strategy to kind of develop the five, 10, 15-minute cities in Saudi Arabia, where you can go to work, do your basic needs with a walkable distance,' he said. Al-Hashani stressed that training architects is crucial for smooth implementation. He noted the extensive groundwork already laid out before the public launch. 'We have a massive program ongoing, starting with the communication that we are doing now … this has the training started way before the launch, so to make sure that we hit the ground running. The efforts are significant.' He also highlighted the technical and digital support behind the initiative. 'There (are) the digital tools in place that have been implemented already, part of the Balady platform. And of course, the ongoing communications with … the municipalities, and of course, our partners, the regional development authorities,' he added. Addressing the evolution of design influences, Al-Hashani explained how previous examples have informed the current codes. He remarked on the role that pioneering projects played in shaping the national approach. 'Any successful example of (an) architectural design guideline was taken into account in developing these codes … our designs (are) inspired somewhat by Diriyah … but mostly it's more covering the entire area of the central region.' Looking ahead, he confirmed that implementation is already visible on the ground. He added that the rollout is set to accelerate, with numerous examples expected in the near future: 'There will be many examples in the coming 12 months … of these guidelines being implemented on the ground.' To ensure a uniform application of the new design codes, the ministry has integrated the guidelines into its licensing process. Al-Hashani explained how digital enforcement plays a key role. 'Balady platform already has kind of a geospatial element in it, where each zone is already linked to the license that is issued. So, if you apply for a license in Taif, then the guidelines will come up as the requirements that you will have to (adhere to) in terms of design.' Public engagement and outreach are also essential components of the initiative. Al-Hashani underscored the breadth of the ministry's reach through its extensive municipal network. 'The municipal sector is the largest sector in Saudi Arabia … that has access and reach to the citizen. 'You deal with the with us on a daily basis, even without you knowing. We have for instance 285 (municipalities). We have 17 amanahs (administrative divisions). We are present everywhere in Saudi Arabia.' He further emphasized the role of workshops and stakeholder meetings as vital tools for ensuring that all parties are aligned with the new standards. 'More importantly (are) the kind of the workshops that we have with key stakeholders in (these) structures such as the architectural firms, the big developers, and of course, the giga projects.' Looking to the future, Al-Hashani touched on the broader strategic goals that underpin the initiative. He explained that success will not only be measured by the immediate application of design guidelines but also by their impact on urban planning, with 'major (key performance indicators).' With integrated digital tools, targeted training, and extensive stakeholder engagement, the Saudi Architecture Characters Map aims to redefine urban development across the Kingdom while remaining rooted in its rich cultural heritage.
