Latest news with #MunicipalitiesandHousing
Saudi Gazette
19-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Minister: More than 133,000 firms in Saudi construction sector
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail said more than 1.6 million individuals are engaged daily across over 133,000 establishments in Saudi Arabia's construction sector, contributing to the realization of smart cities and integrated development. Speaking at the opening of the Global Project Management Forum (GPMF 2025) in Riyadh, Al-Hogail emphasized that project management is no longer a technical function but a strategic imperative for driving transformation. 'Project management enables organizations to be more predictable, responsive, and efficient. It enhances performance and elevates the quality of achievement,' he said. Al-Hogail added that Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 represents an ambitious roadmap for reshaping the Kingdom's economic, social, and developmental landscape. He noted that the National Projects Council is playing an expanding role in aligning national efforts and improving overall project performance. 'Government project management offices help strengthen planning, oversight, and governance, ensuring quality execution and alignment with national goals,' he said. GPMF 2025 is one of the world's leading events in the field of project management, attracting more than 13,000 professionals from over 100 countries. The forum features 120 international speakers, 60 panel sessions, and 16 specialized workshops, further underscoring Saudi Arabia's global leadership in institutional transformation and development planning.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Housing minister expects moderate real estate prices in Riyadh
RIYADH — Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail said real estate prices in Riyadh are expected to moderate and align with citizens' purchasing power. He attributed this progress to the direct oversight of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose directives are actively working to stabilize prices and accelerate housing development. Speaking at a press confrence on Monday, Al-Hogail confirmed that new regulations on white land fees will be issued soon as part of broader sector reforms. 'The Crown Prince's donation of SR1 billion to support eligible families in securing homes reflects the leadership's commitment to ensuring dignified living,' he said, adding that the donation is in addition to ongoing and upcoming projects. Al-Hogail revealed that between 60,000 and 70,000 new housing units will be introduced in Riyadh to meet demand, with additional units planned across other regions. In Riyadh, prices will start at SR250,000 after subsidies. 'We ensure that our activities focus on two key priorities: localization and job creation,' he added. The minister emphasized the transformation of Saudi cities into balanced and sustainable urban environments. 'We've worked to redefine the city as a space that meets the aspirations of residents and ranks among global standards,' he said. He noted that over six Saudi cities have been officially classified as smart cities, and efforts are underway to increase public space access for residents within an 800-meter radius by 61% before the end of the year. The ministry has activated a city monitoring center to track service delivery, reduced license issuance times to under 48 hours, and achieved a report closure rate of more than 94%. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
29-04-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Housing minister expects moderate real estate prices in Riyadh
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail said real estate prices in Riyadh are expected to moderate and align with citizens' purchasing power. He attributed this progress to the direct oversight of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose directives are actively working to stabilize prices and accelerate housing development. Speaking at a press confrence on Monday, Al-Hogail confirmed that new regulations on white land fees will be issued soon as part of broader sector reforms. 'The Crown Prince's donation of SR1 billion to support eligible families in securing homes reflects the leadership's commitment to ensuring dignified living,' he said, adding that the donation is in addition to ongoing and upcoming projects. Al-Hogail revealed that between 60,000 and 70,000 new housing units will be introduced in Riyadh to meet demand, with additional units planned across other regions. In Riyadh, prices will start at SR250,000 after subsidies.'We ensure that our activities focus on two key priorities: localization and job creation,' he minister emphasized the transformation of Saudi cities into balanced and sustainable urban environments. 'We've worked to redefine the city as a space that meets the aspirations of residents and ranks among global standards,' he noted that over six Saudi cities have been officially classified as smart cities, and efforts are underway to increase public space access for residents within an 800-meter radius by 61% before the end of the ministry has activated a city monitoring center to track service delivery, reduced license issuance times to under 48 hours, and achieved a report closure rate of more than 94%.
Trade Arabia
07-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Experts to discuss GenNext project management at Saudi event
Riyadh is set to host the fourth edition of the Global Project Management Forum (GPMF) next month, highlighting Saudi Arabia's leadership in advancing project management ecosystem and promoting innovation and sustainability both locally and globally. The event will be held under the patronage of Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al Hogail from May 17 to 19 under the theme "Next-Gen Project Management: The Power of People, Processes, and Technology. The three-day forum serves as a regional and global platform, bringing together thought leaders, practitioners, and experts from over 100 countries to discuss the future of project management and showcase the latest innovations and methodologies. It also provides a valuable space for exchanging insights and strategies to achieve greater project success by empowering human capabilities, optimising operations and leveraging modern technology. GPMF Chairman Badr Burshaid said the forum's goal has always been to establish a global platform that not only addresses challenges but also offers practical solutions, fosters collaboration across expertise, technology, and human capabilities, and transforms the way projects are managed. "The fourth edition of the forum is not just a professional gathering; it is an integrated intellectual movement that seeks to shape the future. It celebrates minds, catalyzes change, and creates real opportunities for innovation," he stated. The forum will feature a series of key sessions and specialized workshops on topics such as AI, digital transformation, sustainability, the global value chain, and leadership development for the future. It will also include an interactive exhibition and book signings, he added. -TradeArabia News Service
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.
