Latest news with #SaudiArchitectureCharactersMap
Arab News
30-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has the mind of a great architect
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched on March 17 the Saudi Architecture Characters Map, encompassing 19 distinct architectural designs that reflect the geographical, cultural and natural identity of the country's regions and cities. The initiative celebrates architectural heritage, enhances quality of life and revitalizes urban landscapes by innovatively reinterpreting traditional designs. It is expected to boost the economy by more than SR8 billion ($2.13 billion) and generate 34,000 jobs by 2030, primarily in the engineering, construction and urban development sectors. This marks a significant economic shift, transforming architecture into a viable economic asset. The project will roll out in phases, starting with Taif, Al-Ahsa, Abha and Makkah. Initial efforts will focus on the facades of existing buildings, alongside major projects, government structures and commercial properties. The designs will serve as a form of soft power, transcending mere cultural or architectural significance. Buildings will become part of a unique visitor experience, aiming to increase tourism spending. The guide introduces 19 geographical zones for architectural styles, expanding beyond the Kingdom's 13 administrative regions. The initiative is timely and pivotal, reinforcing regional identities through urban fabric, building densities, heights, materials and terrain adaptation. For instance, constructions in plains will differ from those in mountains, oases, coastal areas and deserts. Riyadh stands out as a leading city in adopting the Saudi architectural identity, particularly during the tenure of King Salman bin Abdulaziz as its administrative governor. This is evident in the Qasr Al-Hukm area, Tuwaiq Palace and other locations, positioning Riyadh as a reference point for this architectural map. Complementing this is the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism, approved in late 2021, which serves as a guiding framework providing a national methodology and strategy for urban design based on specific values. The charter also includes an award for the best creative institutional and student architectural designs. Throughout history, architecture has served as a significant barometer of civilizational distinction. Notable examples include the grandeur of Greek temples and the enduring presence of Roman theaters. During Germany's reunification in the 1990s, it undertook the reconstruction of its former parliament building, the Reichstag, originally erected in 1894. This act symbolized the renewed unity between its eastern and western halves. The redesign principles emphasized the building's importance as a democratic institution and its historical role in German life. A glass dome was incorporated to represent the transparency of the parliament, allowing visitors to observe lawmakers during debates and the passage of legislation. The Reichstag has since become a prominent landmark and tourist attraction in Berlin, drawing about 4,000 visitors a day. Another transformative approach was witnessed in Azerbaijan in 1991. Following its decision to shed the Soviet architectural style that dominated 33 percent of the buildings in its capital, Baku, the nation embarked on replacing it with structures that reflected its own history and culture. This resulted in iconic developments such as the Flame Towers, completed in 2013. Their name alludes to Azerbaijan's historical identity as the Land of Fire, a designation stemming from its rich natural gas reserves. A 2016 study published in the journal Omran explored the symptoms of what it termed 'urbanization disease,' particularly within the context of the modern Arab city. The study argued that this condition afflicts the subjugated individual in contemporary urban environments, where life has become a sphere of exploitation, noise and visual pollution and economic distress. From the study's perspective, the inhabitants of today's Arab cities are akin to caged predators in zoos. French sociologist and anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss, in his seminal work 'Tristes Tropiques' ('Sad Tropics'), posits that humans inhabit urban environments to fulfill their material and aesthetic needs, much like they use language to secure their communicative and symbolic requirements. He believed that language preserves ideas and beliefs, while architecture provides tangible forms to people's experiences and knowledge, intersecting with their cultural heritage and aligning with their historical priorities. In his five-volume novel, 'Cities of Salt,' the late Saudi novelist Abdulrahman Munif recounts the state of a small coastal village in the Gulf, once a haven for fishermen and returning travelers. It was transformed into an industrial oil city that no longer served anyone and its people became identical and lacked distinctive features. It is hoped that the Saudi architectural map will break these pessimistic stereotypes, especially about the Gulf oil city, and restore it to its humanity, ancient scents and intimate, open spaces. This is consistent with the vision of the ancient Roman architect Marco Vitruvius, who believed that architecture was based on three main things: strength that protects its inhabitants, utility that gives the building a function that people need and beauty that is distinctive.
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.'
Arab News
30-03-2025
- General
- Arab News
Bricks, mortar and the ambition of a nation
The recent launch of the Saudi Architecture Characters Map by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom's cultural and urban landscape development. It highlights the progress of Saudi Arabia's architectural identity. This growing recognition of architecture's role in shaping national identity naturally raises the question of how best to preserve and protect significant structures. The UK offers a long-established model with its system of 'listing' buildings, a practice dating back to the Second World War. The National Heritage List for England was officially established in 2011 as a unified database bringing together various heritage designations and is maintained by Historic England. In essence, it is a list of all buildings of special architectural or historic interest. Similarly, in 2021, Saudi Arabia took steps to safeguard its built heritage by implementing a system for registering and protecting culturally significant sites. The Heritage Commission, established under the Ministry of Culture, oversees this initiative through the National Urban Heritage Register. This register aims to identify and preserve urban heritage sites across the Kingdom. Recent efforts have significantly expanded the number of registered heritage sites. For instance, in December 2024, the Heritage Commission announced the registration of 13,040 new urban heritage sites, bringing the total to 17,495 at that time. While this system might appear to share similarities with the UK's listed building framework, it is uniquely tailored to Saudi Arabia's cultural and historical context. Such significant efforts have shifted the global narrative surrounding Saudi culture beyond traditional perceptions. The country has formed partnerships with various international institutions, including French Architects for Export, the Royal Institute of British Architects and the US Green Building Council. These institutions have actively engaged in discussions to advance the architecture and design sector in Saudi Arabia, recognizing this transformation. This growing international engagement is further reflected in Saudi Arabia's active presence on the global architectural stage. In a region where history runs deep, these new projects are shaping a new way of living — one where progress and heritage walk hand in hand In February, Saudi Arabia announced its participation in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia, with the National Pavilion presenting The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection. Commissioned by the Architecture and Design Commission under the Ministry of Culture, the National Pavilion continues to support architectural and design practitioners in developing new frameworks for understanding and shaping the built environment. Since the introduction of Vision 2030 urban construction has surged, with the total value of real estate and infrastructure projects exceeding $1.1 trillion by 2024. This positions Saudi Arabia as the largest construction market in the Middle East. This unprecedented rapid development has driven job creation, particularly within the cultural and creative industries, where architecture plays a key role in shaping sustainable cities. Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia's architectural landscape has embraced innovation. A key driver of this transformation is smart city development, where AI-driven urban planning is shaping intelligent, adaptive spaces. NEOM, the Kingdom's flagship smart city, exemplifies this approach. Within this futuristic city, cutting-edge technologies such as predictive infrastructure management and AI-powered energy efficiency models are being integrated. These advancements are creating innovative ways of urban living by optimizing resource use, reducing congestion, and ensuring sustainable growth. Across the country, AI is being embedded into architectural design, enabling real-time climate responsiveness and enhanced public services that prioritize human well-being. This can be seen in the new metro station in Riyadh and the recent partial opening of the Sports Boulevard, a key milestone in Riyadh's urban transformation. The boulevard is one of the world's largest urban regeneration projects, designed to promote active lifestyles and sustainable mobility. This initiative reflects a commitment to human-centric urbanism, where architecture fosters a healthier, more connected society. In a region where history runs deep, these new projects are shaping a new way of living — one where progress and heritage walk hand in hand. • Dr. Ghadah W. Alharthi is an international cultural adviser and an associate professor specializing in culture and innovation at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. X: @ GhadahWA
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.
Saudi Gazette
18-03-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia demands international community's urgent intervention to stop Israeli aggression on Gaza
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The Saudi Council of Ministers denounced the resumption of Israeli occupation forces' aggression on the Gaza Strip. Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman chaired the Cabinet session in Jeddah on Tuesday. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said that the Cabinet emphasized the international community's responsibility to intervene urgently to stop these crimes and end the humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people. At the outset of the session, the Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on the discussions held during his telephone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Cabinet reviewed the latest developments in the Arab, regional, and international arenas, reiterating the Kingdom's steadfast positions on these issues and its support for efforts promoting regional and global security and stability. Al-Dossary said that the Cabinet welcomed the conclusion of peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the signing of a border demarcation agreement between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. It extended best wishes for their continued progress and prosperity. On the domestic front, the Cabinet commended the launch of the Saudi Architecture Characters Map, which highlights 19 architectural styles that represent the Kingdom's geographical, natural, and cultural traits, and contributes to the preservation of urban heritage, the enhancement of quality of life, and the development of urban landscapes. The Cabinet discussed strategies to boost development and service projects and reinforce the social welfare and protection system in order to accelerate progress, harness potential, and achieve the nation's ambitions. The Cabinet reviewed indicators of the national economy's performance and the Kingdom's credit rating upgrades by international agencies, emphasizing the continued implementation of structural reforms and the creation of an environment conducive to unprecedented economic transformation and diversification, in line with the goals of Vision 2030. Al-Dossary reported that the Cabinet expressed appreciation for the proactive security monitoring and response to drug smuggling networks, carried out in partnership with friendly countries. The Cabinet specifically praised the Iraqi Ministry of Interior for intercepting an attempt to smuggle 7 million amphetamine pills, acting on information provided by the Saudi Ministry of Interior. The Cabinet authorized the minister of interior or his deputy to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministries of Interior of Saudi Arabia and Egypt in the field of scientific, training, and research activities. The Council approved a cultural cooperation memorandum between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and a MoU for economic cooperation between the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning and the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Investment of Comoros. The Cabinet authorized the minister of municipalities and housing and chairman of the Real Estate General Authority or his deputy to discuss and sign a draft MoU between the Saudi authority and the Qatar's Real Estate Regulatory Authority for cooperation in the real estate sector. The Council approved an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iceland to avoid double taxation on income taxes and prevent tax evasion and avoidance, along with its accompanying protocol, and an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters. The Cabinet also approved two agreements on air transport services between Saudi Arabia and Suriname and Lithuania, and another MoU between the General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Gulf Area Office to collaborate on Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. The Council approved a MoU between the Saudi Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) and the Ministry of Education and the Reform of the Education System in Mauritania to enhance assessment, measurement, and accreditation tools, and another MoU on technical and vocational training between the ETEC and the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission in Pakistan. It authorized the Saudi Institute of Internal Auditors to negotiate and sign a MoU with the Malaysian Institute of Internal Auditors, focusing on cooperation in internal auditing, governance, and compliance.
