Saudi Cities Report 2018

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary i Disclaimer Future Saudi Cities Programme The designations employed and the presentation Saudi Cities Report 2018 -Executive Summary of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on © Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations 2019 King Fahd National Library Cataloging-in- concerning the legal status of any country, Publication Data territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs boundaries. Views expressed in this publication SAUDI CITIES REPORT 2018 -EXECUTIVE do not necessarily reflect those of the Ministry of SUMMARY/ Ministry of Municipal and Rural Municipal and Rural Affairs, the United Nations Affairs- Riyadh, 2019 Human Settlements Programme, the United ..p ; ..cm Nations or its Member States. Excerpts may be reproduced without authorisation, on condition ISBN: 978-603-8279-62-5 that the source is indicated.

1-City planning- Saudi Arabia I-Title ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 309.2625314 dc 1440/11014 Authors: UN-Habitat Core Team and L.D. no. 1440/11014 Contributors ISBN: 978-603-8279-62-5 Eduardo Moreno (Branch Coordinator); Ben C. Arimah (Task Manager); Udo Mbeche-Smith © 2018. Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (Co Task Manager); Robert Ndugwa; Raymond Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs Otieno Otieno; Robert Lewis-Lettingtion; Anne P.O. Box : 935 - King Fahd, Riyadh, 11136 Klen-Amin; Ololade Ogunsanya; Caroline Tel: 00966114569999 Kieha; Natalia Ayala; Marco Kamiya; Shipra www.momra.gov.sa Narang Suri; Giuseppe Tesoriere; Costanza La Mantia; Rama Nimri; Ulrich Graute; Samuel United Nations Human Settlements Programme Njuguna; Ayman Elhefnawi (UN-Habitat) Authors: External P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi GPO KENYA Antar A. Aboukorin; Tahir Husain; Francois Tel: 254-020-7623120 (Central Office) Vigier; Shaibu Bala Garba www.unhabitat.org Statistical Annex Robert Ndugwa; Donatien Beguy; Julius Majale; Antony Abilla; Dennis Mwaniki; Esther Njiru; Dennis Koech Editorial Consultant Olu Sarr Publishing Production Manager Victor Mgendi Design and Layout Peter Cheseret

Cover Photo Shutterstock © The Future Saudi Cities Programme is a jointly implemented project managed by the Deputyship of Town Planning of the Ministry of Municipality and Rural Affairs of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

For UN-Habitat: Mr. Robert Lewis-Lettington Mr. Ayman El-Hefnawi Ms. Manka Bajaj

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Saudi Cities Report 2018

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary iv Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary Table of contents

Chapter 1: Emerging urban trends in Saudi Arabia...... 1

Chapter 2: Toward sustainable urban transport and mobility...... 11

Chapter 3: Environmental sustainability and green city development in Saudi Arabia...... 19

Chapter 4: Dynamics of the urban economy...... 25

Chapter 5: Managing urban transformation in Saudi Arabia: the role of urban governance...... 34

Chapter 6: Implementing the New Urban Agenda in Saudi Arabia...... 39

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary v A distinctive trend in Saudi urbanization is its urban primacy with the concentration of population in large urban agglomerations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and Dammam.

These cities account for of the urban % population and 46 per cent of the 55 national population

vi Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary Foreword

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the most development. Saudi cities need to be more urbanized countries in the world with eight out of economically diversified and productive; it is every ten people living in urban areas. When well- also important to strengthen the institutional planned and managed, urbanization can serve as and legislative frameworks of Saudi cities as a a transformative force that can be leveraged for basis of implementing a reinvigorated notion the sustainable and inclusive development of cities urban planning that can respond to current and in Saudi Arabia. Over the last three decades, rapid emerging urban challenges in the Kingdom. This urbanization, infrastructure development, and the report provides clear recommendations in these transformation of the Saudi society have brought critical areas. about remarkable improvement in the quality of life of Saudi citizens. Nonetheless, urbanization The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is determined in Saudi Arabia faces several challenges and to make qualitative and quantitative leaps in has been largely dependent on oil. There are this regard, not sparing human and financial significant regional and territorial imbalances, resources. The Government understands that with some cities, especially the large ones better this requires an inclusive approach involving placed to take advantage of the positive nature of every facet of the society, including civil society urbanization. and community-based organizations. Working collaboratively, it will be possible to advance To address these and other urban challenges, the national and international development the Kingdom issued a Royal Decree (No. 28119) agenda toward sustainable development. The in 2013 that seeks to implement the Future implementation of the New Urban Agenda and Saudi Cities Program through the Ministry the adequate response to SDGs— Goal 11 and of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MoMRA) in other urban targets— is paramount to make collaboration with UN-Habitat. The Future Saudi Saudi cities and human settlements safe, inclusive, Cities Program seeks to achieve sustainable resilient and sustainable. urban development in Saudi cities through effective planning and management, including This report has benefitted from the collaborative the enhancing and support of economically effort of researchers, economists, environmental productive cities, and improve urban legislation experts, urban planners and legal experts, all of and institutional framework. This Program is them working closely with MoMRA, Government fully in line with the 2030 Saudi Arabia’s vision officials and other professionals. I commend and the Municipal Transformation Program of these efforts that provide a solid base from which MoMRA, and it responds to the global urban necessary institutional, legal and programmatic development agenda that the Saudi Government changes and adaptations can be undertaken to has committed to implement. ensure that a prosperous future of Saudi cities is reality for all. This report shows with compelling evidence the current state of Saudi cities. It presents the key challenges that urban areas in Saudi Arabia contend with, as well as the opportunities they have in contributing to national and sustainable

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary vii viii Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary CHAPTER 1

Emerging urban trends in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 1 Summary places immense pressure in on housing, water, sanitation, transport and other infrastructure With 83 per cent of its population living in necessary for the smooth functioning of cities. urban areas, Saudi Arabia is among the world’s most urbanized countries. The high degree of A distinctive trend in Saudi urbanization is urbanization is an asset given that vibrant cities its urban primacy with the concentration of constitute a transformative force, if harnessed, for population in large urban agglomerations such as improving access to services, economic and social Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and Dammam. opportunities, and a better quality of life. These cities account for 55 per cent of the urban and 46 per cent of the national population and The dynamics of urbanization in Saudi Arabia have are growing at the expense of those that are favoured a few major urban agglomerations that intermediate and small. have been the prime beneficiaries of the prosperity brought about by rapid economic growth. These cities are growing larger and faster, raising concern about the impacts of such unsustainable advance.

At least 90 per cent of the urban population lives along three corridors: the middle Dammam-Jeddah of Saudi Arabia's strip, the west and east coasts. Such concentration % population live in along with the increase in the size of already large urban areas making it one of the cities, within the context of inadequate planning, 83 world's most urbanized countries

Figure 1: Change in urban population shares of different urban settlement size-classes in Saudi Arabia during, 1950–2035

100

40 % of total urban population

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

Source: United Nations (2018)

2 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 25

15 5.1 million

10 14.4 million Urban population million 5

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

10,000

8,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million Urban population 000

2,000 2.4 million

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Yanbu' al-Bahr Thuqbah Taif Ha'il Makkah (Mecca) Hafar al-Batin Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz

325

300 275 verall Population Density in 250 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225

200

175

150 125

100

50 verall Population Density pha Population verall 25

0 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016

Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

hen operational, Riyadh Metro Project Riyadh Rapid us Transit Project these transport modes would have 6 85 7 1,800 the capacity to shift a Lines Train Stations Terminal stations Community bus stops considerable number of car owners to use 7 5 22 3,000 these mass transit Maintenance Control and Percentage Lines Stops forms thereby and parking centers maintenance centers completed decongesting the city’s roads, slashing energy consumption 176 250 68% 906 1,900 km long Work sites Buses km within the transport sector and possibly improving the city’s 470 3,600,000 900,000 1,083 air uality Train cars Passengers per day Passengers per day Regular line (maximum capacity) (maximum capacity) stations

T o Alqassim

Aldammam To

To Makkah T o Alkharj

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e)

Asir 4.1% E. Region 24% Tabouk 2.0% Qassim 4.7% Hail 2.1% N. Boarders 0.9% Madina 7.0% Jazan 1.6% Najran 1.1% Al Baha 1.0% Al Jouf 1.3% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0%

120

100

0 Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf Northern Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average Borders Region Region

Government services Trade Construction and building Transport and storage Industry Financial and real Agriculture Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services

Baha 6 Jazan 22 Arar 23 Abha 23 Najran 26 Qatif 38 Sakakah 41 Tabouk 54 Hail 58 Taif 59 Buriydah 120 Makkah 123 Hassa 128 Madinah 148 Dammam 907 Jeddah 1,066 Riyadh 2,395

Baha 42 Qatif 238 Arar 383 Abha 579 Taif 658 Sakakah 661 Tabouk 860 Jazan 2,680 Hassa 2,697 Najran 3,409 Madinah 3,788 Makkah 4,372 Hail 5,374 Buriydah 10,724 Dammam 55,375 Jeddah 77,360 Riyadh 94,470

15000

12000

9000

6000

3000

0 Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh Eastern region Region Province Region Cities Regions

Public Private

0 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran

Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23%

Building regulations 16%

Financing 3%

Land management 47% Building and development rights 2%

Obsolete laws

Large number of circulars

Centralized planning

Financial constraints

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Productivity 45.3 51.7 54.6 48.0

Governance and Legislation Infrastructure 56.4 52.7 50.9 54.3 36.2 49.4 37.8 43.6

Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life

24.7 63.4 42.9 71.9 44.8 71.9 61.7 62.9

Equity and Social Inclusion 51.8 57.9 49.2 33.9

Holy Cities (Madinah and Makkah) 80-100 Very Strong Factors Major Cities (Al-Hasa, Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh and Taeif) 70-79 Strong Factors 60-69 Moderately Strong Factors Medium Size Cities (Buraydah, Qatif and Tabuk) 50-59 Moderately Weak Factors Minor Cities (Abha, Al-Baha, Arar, Hail, Jazan, Najran and Skaka) 40-49 Weak Factors 0-39 Very Weak Factors 100

100 80

80 60

60 40 % of total urban population

40 20 % of total urban population

200 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970Fewer than1975 300,0001980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005300,0002010 to 2015500,0002020 2025 2030 2035 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million Figure 2: Change in population of different settlement size-classes, 1950–2035

25 20

20 15 5.1 million

15 5.1 million 10 14.4 million

Urban population million 10 5 14.4 million Urban population million 5 0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 Source: United Nations (2018) 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

10,000

Figure10,000 3: Change in population of Saudi cities of over 300,000 inhabitants, 1950–2035

8,000

8,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million Urban population 000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million 2.4 million

Urban population 000 2,000

2,000 2.4 million

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

0 Yanbu' 1950al-Bahr1955 1960Thuqbah1965 1970 1975Taif 1980 1985 Ha'il1990 1995 2000Makkah2005 (Mecca)2010 2015 2020Hafar2025 al-Batin2030 2035 Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Yanbu'Buraydah al-Bahr ThuqbahRiyadh TaifDammam NajranHa'il Hufuf-MubarrazMakkah (Mecca) Hafar al-Batin Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz

Source: United Nations (2018) 325

300

275325 verall Population Density in 250 300 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225275 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 3 verall Population Density in 200250 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 175225

150200

125175

100150 12575

10050 verall Population Density pha Population verall 2575

500 verall Population Density pha Population verall 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 25

0 Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016

Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

hen operational, Riyadh Metro Project Riyadh Rapid us Transit Project these transport modes would have 6 85 7 1,800 thehen capacity operational, to shift a RiyadhLines Metro ProjectTrain Stations RiyadhTerminal Rapid stations us TransitCommunity Project bus stops considerablethese transport number ofmodes car owners would haveto use 6 85 7 1,800 the capacity to shift a 7 5 22 3,000 these mass transit MaintenanceLines ControlTrain Stations and Percentage Terminal stationsLines Community bus Stopsstops formsconsiderable thereby number and parking centers maintenance centers completed decongestingof car owners theto use 7 5 22 3,000 city’sthese roads,mass transitslashing Maintenance Control and Percentage Lines Stops energyforms thereby consumption and176 parking centers maintenance250 centers 68% 906 1,900 km long Work sites completed Buses km withindecongesting the transport the sectorcity’s roads, and possibly slashing energy consumption 176 250 68% 906 1,900 improving the city’s km470 long Work3,600,000 sites 900,000Buses 1,083km airwithin uality the transport Train cars Passengers per day Passengers per day Regular line sector and possibly (maximum capacity) (maximum capacity) stations improving the city’s 470 3,600,000 900,000 1,083 air uality Train cars Passengers per day Passengers per day Regular line (maximum capacity) (maximum capacity) stations

T o Alqassim

T o Aldammam Alqassim To

Aldammam To

To Makkah T o Alkharj

To Makkah T o Alkharj EED Metro Lines Public transit is currently under rapid expansion across the city. There are six Metro Stations 2.5 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km EED metro lines currently under construction, BRT Routes simultaneously. Metro Lines Public transit is currently under rapid Metro Blue Line Medinah to build a smart mass transport Bus Routes Aexpansion us Rapid across Transit the city. RT There network are six with system by 2021 Metro Stations 2.5 0Metro2.5 Red Line5 7.5 10 km Proposed Ring Road threemetro lines lines as currentlywell as a underrevamped construction, and Metro Green Line Total length of 95 km, including 25 km BRT Routes organizedsimultaneously. bus network. MetroRapid TrainBlue Line undergroundMedinah to build and a48 smart km overhead mass transport Bus Routes A us Rapid Transit RT network with Feeder Bus Metro Red Line Thesystem proposal by 2021 includes: three lines as well as a revamped and BRT Line Proposed Ring Road organized bus network. ExpressMetro Green Bus Line •Total 3 metro length lines of 95 km, including 25 km Rapid Train •underground 2 bus rapid andtransit 48 (BRT)km overhead lines Feeder Bus •The 4 expressproposal bus includes: routes BRT Line Express Bus • 37 metrofeeder linesbus routes • 2 bus rapid transit (BRT) lines • 4 express bus routes • 7 feeder bus routes

600

600500

500400

400300

300200

200100

1000 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e) 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e)

Asir 4.1% E. Region 24% Tabouk 2.0% Qassim 4.7% HailAsir 4.1%2.1% E. Region 24% N. BoardersTabouk 2.0%0.9% Madina 7.0% Qassim 4.7% JazanHail 2.1%1.6% N. BoardersNajran 0.9%1.1% Madina 7.0% Al JazanBaha 1.6%1.0% AlNajran Jouf 1.3%1.1% Makkah 20.8% RiyadhAl Baha 29.0% 1.0% Al Jouf 1.3% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0%

120

100 120

80 100

60 80

40 60

20 40

0 20 Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf Northern Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average Borders Region 0 Region Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf Northern Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average Government services Trade Borders Construction and buildingRegion Transport and storage Industry Financial and real AgricultureRegion Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services Government services Trade Construction and building Transport and storage Industry Financial and real Agriculture Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services Baha 6 Jazan 22 Arar 23 AbhaBaha 623 NajranJazan 2226 QatifArar 2338 SakakahAbha 2341 TaboukNajran 2654 QatifHail 3858 SakakahTaif 4159 BuriydahTabouk 54 120 MakkahHail 58123 HassaTaif 59 128 MadinahBuriydah 120148 DammamMakkah 123 907 JeddahHassa 128 1,066 MadinahRiyadh 148 2,395 Dammam 907 Jeddah 1,066 Riyadh 2,395

Baha 42 Qatif 238 Arar 383 Abha Baha 57942 Taif Qatif 238658 Sakakah 661 Arar 383 Tabouk 860 Abha 579 Jazan 2,680 Taif 658 SakakahHassa 6612,697 TaboukNajran 8603,409 MadinahJazan 2,6803,788 MakkahHassa 2,6974,372 NajranHail 3,4095,374 MadinahBuriydah 3,788 10,724 DammamMakkah 4,372 55,375 JeddahHail 5,374 77,360 BuriydahRiyadh 10,724 94,470 Dammam 55,375 Jeddah 77,360 Riyadh 94,470

15000

12000

9000

6000

3000

0 Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh Eastern region Region Province Region 0 Cities Regions Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh Eastern region Region Province Region Public PrivateCities Regions

Public Private

35 40

30 35

25 30

20 25

15 20

10 15

5 10

0 5 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran

0 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran

Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23%

Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23% Building regulations 16%

Financing 3% Building regulations 16% Land management 47% Building and development rights 2% Financing 3%

Land management 47% Building and development rights 2%

Obsolete laws

Large number of circulars Obsolete laws Centralized planning Large number of circulars Financial constraints Centralized planning 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Financial constraints

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Productivity 45.3 51.7 Productivity54.6 48.0 45.3 51.7 54.6 48.0

Governance and Legislation Infrastructure 56.4 52.7 50.9 54.3 Governance and Legislation36.2 Infrastructure49.4 37.8 43.6 56.4 52.7 50.9 54.3 36.2 49.4 37.8 43.6

Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life

24.7 63.4 42.9 71.9 Environmental Sustainability44.8 Quality71.9 of Life 61.7 62.9 24.7 63.4 42.9 71.9 71.9 44.8 Equity and Social Inclusion 61.7 62.9 51.8 57.9 49.2 Equity and 33.9Social Inclusion 51.8 57.9 Holy Cities (Madinah and Makkah) 49.2 80-100 Very Strong Factors 33.9 Major Cities (Al-Hasa, Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh and Taeif) 70-79 Strong Factors 60-69 Moderately Strong Factors MediumHoly Cities Size (Madinah Cities (Buraydah, and Makkah) Qatif and Tabuk) 80-100 Very Strong Factors 50-59 Moderately Weak Factors 70-79 Strong Factors MajorMinor Cities (Al-Hasa,(Abha, Al-Baha, Dammam, Arar, Jeddah, Hail, Jazan, Riyadh Najran and Taeif)and Skaka) 40-49 Weak Factors 60-69 Moderately Strong Factors Medium Size Cities (Buraydah, Qatif and Tabuk) 0-39 Very Weak Factors 50-59 Moderately Weak Factors Minor Cities (Abha, Al-Baha, Arar, Hail, Jazan, Najran and Skaka) 40-49 Weak Factors 0-39 Very Weak Factors Figure 4: Saudi Arabia: Major urban agglomerations, 2017

Source: United Nations (2018)

4 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary Table 1: Saudi Arabia urbanization trends 2015–-2035

2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 Total population (000) 31 557 34 710 37 290 39 480 41 317 Urban population (000) 26 249 29 256 31 843 34 143 36 170

Level of urbanization (%) 83.2 84.3 85.4 86.5 87.5 Five largest urban Agglomerations Riyadh 6 218 7 231 7 953 8 547 9 058 Jeddah 4 035 4 610 5 022 5 388 5 710 Makkah 1 796 2 042 2 219 2 379 2 521 Al-Madinah 1 299 1 489 1 625 1 744 1 848 Dammam 1 080 1 253 1 376 1 478 1 566 Total population of the five largest agglomerations 14 428 16 625 18 195 19 536 20 703 Five largest agglomerations as % of urban population 54.97 56.82 57.14 57.22 57.24 Five largest agglomerations as % of total population 45.72 47.90 48.79 49.48 50.12

Source: United Nations (2018)

Although urban primacy in Saudi Arabia offers challenges of Saudi cities. The physical area a large range of positive externalities, it is an of these cities is expanding faster than their indication of lopsided development and has led to population. For instance, between 1990 and 2014 the neglect of its frontier regions. Urban primacy the built-up area of Riyadh grew at an average in Saudi Arabia further marginalizes intermediate annual rate of 9.4 per cent, from 30,305 to 95,861 and small cities, perpetuates inequality and hectares. Riyadh’s expansion, as in the case of most weakens the stability of national urban systems. Saudi cities, has occurred mainly through extension rather than infill or densification. Excessive While urbanization in Saudi Arabia has brought sprawling and low-density development in Saudi major benefits, the process is unsustainable in Arabia are the outcome of ineffective urban many respects and presents several challenges. planning, affluence, and an urbanization process Excessive sprawling is one of the most pervasive largely driven by private car ownership.

Excessive sprawling is one of the most pervasive challenges of Saudi cities. The physical area of these cities is expanding faster than their population.

30,305 Riyadh's built-up area grew at hectares an average annual rate of in 1990 95,861 % hectares in 2014 9.4

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 5 Figure 5: Urban growth pattern in Riyadh, 1940–-2016

1940 1950 Area: 416Ha Area: 1,122Ha

1970 1980 Area: 7,590Ha Area: 24,701Ha

1996 2016

Area: 61,965Ha Area: 131,021Ha Before 1970 2016

Source: City Profiles, Future Saudi Cities Program

6 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 100

40 % of total urban population

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

15 5.1 million

10 14.4 million Urban population million 5

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

10,000

8,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million Urban population 000

2,000 2.4 million

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Yanbu' al-Bahr Thuqbah Taif Ha'il Makkah (Mecca) Hafar al-Batin Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz

Figure 6: Urban sprawl and declining overall population density in Saudi metropolitans

325

300 275 verall Population Density in 250 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225

200

175

150 125

100

50 verall Population Density pha Population verall 25

0 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016

Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

Note: Urban areas are calculated based on city plans provided from the urban planning directorates.

Other challenges include managing urban and middle-income households. Affordable growth, poor urban governance, unsustainable housing is needed, urgently. Such housing consumption levels of water and energy, and should be in consonance with the socioeconomic increasing levels of greenhouse gas emissions. characteristics of Saudis and in line with Vision hen operational, Riyadh Metro Project Riyadh Rapid us Transit Project Carbonthese transportdioxide emissions per capita in Saudi 2030 that aims to increase homeownership from modes would have Arabia increased from 0.7 tons6 in 1960 to85 about 47 per cent in 2016 to 52 per7 cent by1,800 2020. the capacity to shift a Lines Train Stations Terminal stations Community bus stops 19 considerabletons in 2015, number representing an increase of 2,786of car per owners cent. to use 7 5 Moreover, people under 2522 years old account3,000 these mass transit Maintenance Control and Percentage Lines Stops forms thereby for 50.8 per cent of the Saudi population and and parking centers maintenance centers completed Manydecongesting Saudi cities the face a shortage of affordable face distinct challenges. For example, entry- city’s roads, slashing housing.energy consumptionWhile there is a surplus176 of high-rental250 level housing68% is scarce as 906are employment1,900 km long Work sites Buses km housingwithin thein mosttransport cities, there is a persistent opportunities. Cities must cater to the needs and sector and possibly shortageimproving of theaffordable city’s housing470 units for lower-3,600,000 rights of urban youth.900,000 1,083 air uality Train cars Passengers per day Passengers per day Regular line (maximum capacity) (maximum capacity) stations

T o Carbon dioxide emissions per capita in Saudi Alqassim Arabia increased from 0.7 tons in 1960 to about 19 tons in 2015, representing an increase of Aldammam To 2,786%

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 7

To Makkah T o Alkharj

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e)

Asir 4.1% E. Region 24% Tabouk 2.0% Qassim 4.7% Hail 2.1% N. Boarders 0.9% Madina 7.0% Jazan 1.6% Najran 1.1% Al Baha 1.0% Al Jouf 1.3% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0%

120

100

0 Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf Northern Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average Borders Region Region

Government services Trade Construction and building Transport and storage Industry Financial and real Agriculture Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services

Baha 6 Jazan 22 Arar 23 Abha 23 Najran 26 Qatif 38 Sakakah 41 Tabouk 54 Hail 58 Taif 59 Buriydah 120 Makkah 123 Hassa 128 Madinah 148 Dammam 907 Jeddah 1,066 Riyadh 2,395

15000

12000

9000

6000

3000

0 Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh Eastern region Region Province Region Cities Regions

Public Private

0 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran

Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23%

Building regulations 16%

Financing 3%

Land management 47% Building and development rights 2%

Obsolete laws

Large number of circulars

Centralized planning

Financial constraints

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Productivity 45.3 51.7 54.6 48.0

Governance and Legislation Infrastructure 56.4 52.7 50.9 54.3 36.2 49.4 37.8 43.6

Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life

24.7 63.4 42.9 71.9 44.8 71.9 61.7 62.9

Equity and Social Inclusion 51.8 57.9 49.2 33.9

Some of the recommendations for overcoming these challenges can be highlighted at three levels:

At the national level: It is important to correct investments in tourism and industry, and redirect the imbalances in the regional distribution of total population and migration away from the large and urban population; to increase development metropolitan areas. reach and support the rural economy; and to plan for the expected increase in urban population, At the regional level: It is important to especially in the large urban agglomerations. It reduce the concentration of population within is recommended that future development plans regions, and to minimize urban primacy through direct and spread growth activities, mainly mining investment in intermediate cities, small towns and tourism, to rural and frontier regions of high and village clusters as articulated in the National potential for progress. Spatial Strategy 2030. Intermediate and small cities in Saudi Arabia could be made more It is along these lines that the kingdom attractive by improving transport, communication announced, in 2017, several megaprojects for and other infrastructure, as well as improving a more balanced and integrated economic and municipal governance, including decentralization regional development. These include the NEOM, and strengthening of local democracy and civil Red Sea, Al-Gidya, Al Faisaliyah, and New society. Strengthening the economic base of Taif projects; developments in Al-Ula, Diriyah, rural settlements is crucial in making them more and Jeddah Downtown. These schemes are attractive and enhancing their linkages with expected to diversify the economy by attracting urban areas.

8 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary At the local level: For large agglomerations, densification and compact development, water future population increase should be governance, and renewal energy are crucial for accommodated within the spatial extent of these the sustainable development of Saudi cities. cities by means of densification and planned city infills, with no further expansion of urban area. To meet the challenge of providing affordable For the next 20-30 years, urban densification housing in urban areas, building regulations should be the most appropriate urban growth should conform with the socioeconomic management approach for large agglomerations. characteristics of the Saudi population; This would allow for the efficient utilization sustainability principles; and Saudi Vision 2030, of existing infrastructure and services. For which aims to increase homeownership. intermediate and small cities, their anticipated population increase could be accommodated The challenge of urban governance could in through densification or planned city infills and part be dealt with by increasing community planned city expansion programmes. participation, accountability and transparency, and enhancing the institutional capacity of Saudi In terms of curbing current consumption patterns, cities. This would have to be done inclusively, with Saudi Arabia should adopt a sustainable urban the participation of women, youth and people of development policy. Feasible use of urban land, diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. including the control of urban sprawl through

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 9 10 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary CHAPTER 2

Toward sustainable urban transport and mobility

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 11 Summary congestion, especially after the law banning women from driving was repealed in June 2018. The high level of urbanization in Saudi Arabia Thus, meeting the present and future transport places huge demands on its transport system. needs of the growing urban population is a key Increasingly, Saudi’s cities face enormous pressures requirement for many Saudi cities. High mobility as they seek to meet the increasing demand for coupled with continued increase in private car mobility and investment in passenger and freight ownership presents a key challenge as more transport. In Riyadh, as with other Saudi cities, the land is used to support transport systems. In absence of a viable mass transit system implies Riyadh, roads account for 40 per cent of the that the existing road networks and infrastructure city’s construction costs. Road transport alone cannot sufficiently absorb the increase portended accounts for about 90 per cent of energy by the rapid pace of urbanization. consumption within the transport sector. Inhabitants of major Saudi cities heavily rely on While the current level of transport private transportation to move around their city, interconnectivity reflects the investment in transport infrastructure over several decades, and the importance and role of Riyadh and Jeddah as economic powerhouses; Makkah and Madinah as holy cities; the existing level of infrastructure is not commensurate with the demands of a In Riyadh, roads account for rapidly urbanizing country. of the city’s construction % costs In recent years, cities such as Jeddah and Riyadh 40 have introduced various forms of mass transit due to increasing car ownership and traffic

Figure 7: Intercity connectivity in Saudi Arabia

Source: City Profiles, Future Saudi Cities Program

12 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 100

100 80

80 60

60 40 % of total urban population 40 20 % of total urban population

20 0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

25 20

15 5.1 million

15 5.1 million 10

10 14.4 million Urban population million 5 14.4 million Urban population million 5 0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

10,000

8,000

8,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million 2.2 million

Urban population 000 4,000 3.3 million Urban population 000 2,000 2.4 million

2,000 2.4 million

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 Yanbu' al-Bahr Thuqbah Taif Ha'il Makkah (Mecca) Hafar al-Batin Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Yanbu' al-Bahr Thuqbah Taif Ha'il Makkah (Mecca) Hafar al-Batin Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz

325

300 325 275 verall Population300 Density in 250 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan275 Areas 225 verall Population Density in 250 200 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225 175 200 150 175 125 150 100 125 75 100 50 verall Population Density pha Population verall 75 25 50 0 Density pha Population verall 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 197625 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 0 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

Figure 8: The King Abdulaziz Project for Public Transport in Riyadh

hen operational, Riyadh Metro Project Riyadh Rapid us Transit Project these transport modes would have 6 85 hen operational, 7Riyadh Metro1,800 Project Riyadh Rapid us Transit Project the capacity to shift a Lines Train Stations these transport Terminal stations Community bus stops considerable number modes would have 6 85 7 1,800 of car owners to use 7 5 the capacity to shift a 22Lines 3,000Train Stations Terminal stations Community bus stops these mass transit Maintenance Control and considerablePercentage number Lines Stops forms thereby and parking centers maintenance centers ofcompleted car owners to use 7 5 22 3,000 decongesting the these mass transit Maintenance Control and Percentage Lines Stops city’s roads, slashing forms thereby 68% and parking centers maintenance centers completed energy consumption 176 250 decongesting the 906 1,900 km long Work sites Buses km within the transport city’s roads, slashing sector and possibly energy consumption 176 250 68% 906 1,900 km long Work sites Buses km improving the city’s 470 3,600,000 within the transport900,000 1,083 air uality Train cars Passengers per day sector and possiblyPassengers per day Regular line (maximum capacity) (maximum capacity) improving the city’s 470 stations3,600,000 900,000 1,083 air uality Train cars Passengers per day Passengers per day Regular line (maximum capacity) (maximum capacity) stations

with many households owning more than one Figure 9: Proposed transport network car. In Jeddah, 86 per cent of all trips are taken for Medinah by car, 10 per cent by taxi and less than 2 per T o cent by bus. This reliance on cars places women Alqassim

T o and youth at a disadvantage in society, as global Alqassim Aldammam o trends show that they are more dependent on T

Aldammam public than private transport. To

Saudi Arabia is keen on upgrading its infrastructure and transport system, with over US$14.4 billion (SAR 54 billion) allocated for this purpose in 2018. Over the past decade, more than US$106 billion (SAR 400 billion) have been spent on transport infrastructure, resulting in To Makkah T the construction of a robust transport network o Alkharj

To Makkah T covering all parts of the country. o Alkharj

EED Metro Lines Public transit is currently under rapid expansion across the city. There are six EED 2.5 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km Metro Stations metro lines currently under construction, Public transit is currently under rapid simultaneously. Metro Lines BRT Routes expansion across the city. There are six Metro Blue Line Medinah to build a smart mass transport 2.5 Bus0 Routes2.5 5 7.5 10 km A us Rapid Transit RT network with Metro Stations metro lines currently under construction, system by 2021 In 2018,Metro RedSaudi Line Arabia allocated Proposed Ring Road three lines as well as a revamped and BRT Routes simultaneously. organized bus network. Metro Green Line Total length of 95 km, including 25 km Metro Blue Line Medinah to build a smart mass transport Bus Routes A us Rapid Transit RT network with Rapid Train underground and 48 km overhead Metro Red Line system by 2021 three lines as well as a revamped and Feeder Bus Proposed Ring Road The proposal includes: organized bus network. BRT Line Metro Green Line Total length of 95 km, including 25 km billion Rapid Train US$14.4Express Bus • 3 metro lines underground and 48 km overhead • 2 bus rapid transit (BRT) lines Feeder Bus The proposal includes: for upgrading its infrastructure and BRT Line • 4 express bus routes transport system Express Bus • 3 metro lines • 7 feeder bus routes • 2 bus rapid transit (BRT) lines • 4 express bus routes • 7 feeder bus routes

Source: City Profiles, Future Saudi Cities Program

600

600 500 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 13

500 400

400 300

300 200

200 100

100 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

0 Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O1990 (MtCO2e)1991 1992 1993 1994Total1995 F-Gas1996 (MtCO2e)1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e)

Asir 4.1% E. Region 24% Tabouk 2.0% Asir 4.1% Qassim 4.7% E. RegionHail 2.1% 24% Tabouk 2.0% N. Boarders 0.9% Qassim 4.7% Hail 2.1% Madina 7.0% Jazan 1.6% N. Boarders 0.9% Najran 1.1% Madina 7.0% Jazan 1.6% Al Baha 1.0% Najran 1.1% Al Jouf 1.3% Al Baha 1.0% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0% Al Jouf 1.3% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0%

120

100 120

80 100

60 80

40 60

20 40

Baha 6 Jazan 22 Arar 23 Baha 6 Abha 23 Jazan 22 Najran 26 Arar 23 Qatif 38 Abha 23 Sakakah 41 Najran 26 Tabouk 54 Qatif 38 Hail 58 Sakakah 41 Taif 59 Tabouk 54 Buriydah 120 Hail 58 Makkah 123 Taif 59 Hassa 128 Buriydah 120 Madinah 148 Makkah 123 Dammam 907 Hassa 128 Jeddah 1,066 Madinah 148 Riyadh 2,395 Dammam 907 Jeddah 1,066 Riyadh 2,395

Baha 42 Qatif 238 Arar 383 Baha 42 Abha 579 Qatif 238 Taif 658 Arar 383 Sakakah 661 Abha 579 Tabouk 860 Taif 658 Jazan 2,680 Sakakah 661 Hassa 2,697 Tabouk 860 Najran 3,409 Jazan 2,680 Madinah 3,788 Hassa 2,697 Makkah 4,372 Najran 3,409 Hail 5,374 Madinah 3,788 Buriydah 10,724 Makkah 4,372 Dammam 55,375 Hail 5,374 Jeddah 77,360 Buriydah 10,724 Riyadh Dammam 94,470 55,375 Jeddah 77,360 Riyadh 94,470

15000

12000

9000

6000

3000

0 Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh Eastern region Region Province 0 Region Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh Eastern Cities Regions region Region Province Region Cities Regions Public Private

Public Private

35 40

30 35

25 30

20 25

15 20

10 15

5 10

0 5 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran 0 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran

Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23% Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23%

Building regulations 16%

Building regulations 16% Financing 3%

Land management 47% Building and development rights 2% Financing 3%

Land management 47% Building and development rights 2%

Obsolete laws

Large number of circulars Obsolete laws

Centralized planning Large number of circulars

Financial constraints Centralized planning

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Financial80% 90%constraints100%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Productivity 45.3 51.7 Productivity 54.6 45.3 48.0 51.7 54.6 48.0

Governance and Legislation Infrastructure 56.4 52.7 50.9 Governance and Legislation54.3 Infrastructure 36.2 49.4 56.4 52.7 37.8 43.6 50.9 54.3 36.2 49.4 37.8 43.6

Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life

24.7 63.4 42.9 Environmental Sustainability71.9 Quality of Life 44.8 71.9 24.7 63.4 61.7 62.9 42.9 71.9 44.8 71.9 62.9 Equity and Social Inclusion 61.7 51.8 57.9 49.2 Equity and Social Inclusion 51.8 33.9 57.9 49.2 Holy Cities (Madinah and Makkah) 80-100 Very Strong Factors 33.9 Major Cities (Al-Hasa, Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh and Taeif) 70-79 Strong Factors Holy Cities (Madinah and Makkah) 60-69 Moderately Strong Factors 80-100 Very Strong Factors Medium Size Cities (Buraydah, Qatif and Tabuk) Major50-59 CitiesModerately (Al-Hasa, Dammam,Weak Factors Jeddah, Riyadh and Taeif) 70-79 Strong Factors Minor Cities (Abha, Al-Baha, Arar, Hail, Jazan, Najran and Skaka) 60-69 Moderately Strong Factors Medium40-49 SizeWeak Cities Factors (Buraydah, Qatif and Tabuk) 0-39 Very Weak Factors 50-59 Moderately Weak Factors Minor Cities (Abha, Al-Baha, Arar, Hail, Jazan, Najran and Skaka) 40-49 Weak Factors 0-39 Very Weak Factors 100

40 % of total urban population

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

15 5.1 million

10 14.4 million Urban population million 5

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

10,000

8,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million Urban population 000

2,000 2.4 million

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Yanbu' al-Bahr Thuqbah Taif Ha'il Makkah (Mecca) Hafar al-Batin Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz

325

300 275 verall Population Density in 250 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225

200

175

150 125

100

50 verall Population Density pha Population verall 25

0 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016

Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

Figure 10: Proposed transport network for Riyadh

T o Alqassim

Aldammam To

To Makkah T o Alkharj

EED Metro Lines Public transit is currently under rapid expansion across the city. There are six 2.5 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km Metro Stations metro lines currently under construction, BRT Routes simultaneously. Metro Blue Line Medinah to build a smart mass transport Bus Routes A us Rapid Transit RT network with system by 2021 Metro Red Line Proposed Ring Road three lines as well as a revamped and organized bus network. Metro Green Line Total length of 95 km, including 25 km The transport sector is a major consumer Rapid Train underground and 48 km overhead Feeder Bus of energy in the region and contributes to The proposal includes: Source: City Profiles, Future Saudi Cities Program BRT Line Express Bus • 3 metro lines of total carbon • 2 bus rapid transit (BRT) lines dioxide emissions • 4 express bus routes 23% • 7 feeder bus routes More recently the development of intercity rail links has been prioritized, including a 946-km cross-country line linking Jeddah, Riyadh and

600 Dammam; a Medina-Jeddah-Mecca high-capacity The transport sector represents a major consumer link that would facilitate the movement of of energy in the region and a primary contributor

500 pilgrims during the Hajj; and an Eastern Region to carbon dioxide discharge, accounting for 23 link between Dammam and Jubail Industrial City. per cent of emissions of which 85 per cent is 400 attributed to inland transport. The dominance of motorization as a mode of

300 transport in the country is demonstrated by the Saudi Arabia is among the world’s top 10 12 million cars on its roads, which partly explains countries with the highest traffic fatality rates, 200 increased greenhouse emissions in Saudi cities. with road crashes costing up to 6 per cent of the Several factors such as policies that maintain fuel country’s gross domestic product. Road traffic 100 subsidies and low car registration fees, as well as accident is the single largest cause of mortality planning practices that encourage low-density and long-term disability among Saudi’s aged

0 development, all drive increasing motorization. 16-30 years. 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e)

14 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary

Asir 4.1% E. Region 24% Tabouk 2.0% Qassim 4.7% Hail 2.1% N. Boarders 0.9% Madina 7.0% Jazan 1.6% Najran 1.1% Al Baha 1.0% Al Jouf 1.3% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0%

120

100

0 Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf Northern Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average Borders Region Region

Government services Trade Construction and building Transport and storage Industry Financial and real Agriculture Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services

Baha 6 Jazan 22 Arar 23 Abha 23 Najran 26 Qatif 38 Sakakah 41 Tabouk 54 Hail 58 Taif 59 Buriydah 120 Makkah 123 Hassa 128 Madinah 148 Dammam 907 Jeddah 1,066 Riyadh 2,395

15000

12000

9000

6000

3000

0 Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh Eastern region Region Province Region Cities Regions

Public Private

0 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran

Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23%

Building regulations 16%

Financing 3%

Land management 47% Building and development rights 2%

Obsolete laws

Large number of circulars

Centralized planning

Financial constraints

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Productivity 45.3 51.7 54.6 48.0

Governance and Legislation Infrastructure 56.4 52.7 50.9 54.3 36.2 49.4 37.8 43.6

Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life

24.7 63.4 42.9 71.9 44.8 71.9 61.7 62.9

Equity and Social Inclusion 51.8 57.9 49.2 33.9

Given their potential to reconfigure trade corridors presence of public transport—the number of and dramatically improve public transport, rail formal buses and rail—fails to paint a complete and metro projects should represent a key priority picture. A well-designed integrated transport for Saudi Arabia, especially as it seeks to diversify network should be accessible, affordable, its economy. A well-integrated public transport equitable, safe, reliable, low carbon, comfortable, system could also boost economic efficiency, efficient and convenient for all users—especially provide employment and bring business to for women, youth, persons with disabilities and underserved areas. other minority groups.

Effective transport networks that incorporate Increasingly, there are indications that the public transit have been recommended for all establishment of rail and bus rapid transit cities. Their implementation would reduce the solutions in major Saudi cities are bound to carbon footprint of cities, make them more livable generate significant land use changes, rapid by easing commute and transport needs, and growth and rising incomes. This presupposes increase urban accessibility. With high levels of there is supportive planning and zoning, public- urbanization and a high auto-dependency culture, sector leveraging and risk sharing, a commitment high-capacity public transport systems that focus to travel-demand management to remove any on mass transit would be crucial in achieving built-in incentives to car use, and the capacity sustainable urban mobility. However, the mere to manage the land-use shifts that are put into

Figure 11: An example of the “complete street” typical section elaborated for Dammam City Profile

Source: City Profiles, Future Saudi Cities Program

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 15 motion by transport infrastructure investments. networks, optimizing the choice of transport Saudi planners should consider how people and mode for corridors, and improving the operational goods are moved between transport hubs and speed of vehicles in service. To increase revenue, their final destinations, which is termed as the the company is promoting a public transport “first and last mile” of any trip. culture through media and community awareness campaigns, whereby people are informed of its To make public transport sustainable, a new benefits. Other innovative financing mechanisms business model for funding should be developed. for sustainable transport infrastructure and The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company is operations that could be adopted include parking exploring new sources of long-term financing at levies, fuel pricing and road user charges. significantly lower costs for ongoing and proposed urban transport projects. Notably, however, Well-functioning institutions and high levels of alternative and sustainable funding options political support are indispensable for establishing should include cost-cutting through reprioritizing and maintaining quality infrastructure and services

16 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary for urban mobility in Saudi Arabia. However, National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020, decision-making in the transport sector is the government allocated US$800,000 for road fragmented between the ministries of Interior, of safety improvement. A significant part of this Municipal and Rural Affairs, of Transport, and of amount is for sophisticated traffic management Commerce and Industry; this is due to overlapping and intelligent transport system technologies to institutional responsibilities. To attend to these improve traffic flow and security for travelers. The institutional, regulatory and governance concerns responsibility for traffic safety is jointly shared and ensure coordinated action, the identification by the Ministry of Interior, which oversees and of a lead authority to provide strategic direction in regulates the vehicle fleet and traffic regulations; decision-making is paramount. the ministries of Transport, and of Municipal and Rural Affairs, which build and maintain the Given the high rates of traffic accidents in road infrastructure with all its traffic engineering Saudi cities, road safety must be continuously elements, such as road signage. improved and more funds allocated. Under the

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 17 18 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary CHAPTER 3

Environmental sustainability and green city development in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 19 Summary

Environmental concerns are taking centre stage in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has made remarkable progress in strengthening sustainability in pursuit of Vision 2030 and targets in the NTP Waste 2020. However, the environmental challenges Like many countries, Saudi Arabia is groaning remain persistent due to institutional policies under the weight of its household and industrial which for decades have encouraged increased waste. On average, each Saudi generates 1.5kg domestic consumption across sectors such to1.8kg of waste daily. With a population of as oil. The prevailing development patterns, approximately 33 million, Saudi’s cities produce characterized by the undermining of sustainability, 15 million tons per year of municipal solid waste, have driven society towards excessive increase most of which ends up in landfills. Several in production and consumption, causing the initiatives are under way as part of the NTP, depletion of natural resources and devastating the tackling the importance of the recycling issue; socioeconomic environment. the integrated strategy for waste management in Riyadh city; the initiative to recycle food waste Widespread overconsumption calls for a paradigm in the Eastern Region; and the initiative for shift, which strikes a balance between preserving waste management in Jubail Industrial City. The natural resources, reducing environmental challenge is to scale up these initiatives to increase degradation, and enhancing economic growth. the current national recycling rate accounted to Chapter 3 illustrates the symbiotic relationship be 10–15 per cent. between urbanization and environment in Saudi Arabia, alongside offering solutions to challenges.

Water Water scarcity presents an immense challenge Air Pollution for the kingdom. Groundwater levels are Air pollution is a global problem, the damaging rapidly declining in the country and over 50 per impacts of which also affect Saudi Arabia. Some cent of the water supplied comes from non- of the kingdom’s cities are characterized by renewable sedimentary and deep rock aquifers. declining air quality and its associated impacts. A multifaceted approach is required to provide Riyadh and Al Jubail, for instance, are ranked water and encourage its prudent use. In this amongst the world’s heavily polluted cities. respect, implementation of the planned Integrated Weak coordination between ministries and poor Water Resources Management will be vital. implementation of comprehensive plans related to curbing air pollution is often a hindrance to eliminating the menace.

20 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 100

40 % of total urban population

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

15 5.1 million

10 14.4 million Urban population million 5

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

10,000

8,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million Urban population 000

2,000 2.4 million

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Yanbu' al-Bahr Thuqbah Taif Ha'il Makkah (Mecca) Hafar al-Batin Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz

325

300 275 verall Population Density in 250 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225

200

175

150 125

100

50 verall Population Density pha Population verall 25

0 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016

Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

T o Alqassim

Aldammam To

To Makkah T o Alkharj

EED Metro Lines Public transit is currently under rapid expansion across the city. There are six 2.5 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km Metro Stations metro lines currently under construction, BRT Routes simultaneously. Metro Blue Line Medinah to build a smart mass transport Bus Routes A us Rapid Transit RT network with system by 2021 Metro Red Line Proposed Ring Road three lines as well as a revamped and Metro Green Line Total length of 95 km, including 25 km organized bus network. Rapid Train underground and 48 km overhead Feeder Bus The proposal includes: BRT Line Express Bus • 3 metro lines Oil refinery by frontier with Saudi• 2 bus Arabia, rapid transit Aqaba, (BRT) Jordan lines • 4 express bus routes • 7 feeder bus routes

Figure 12: Total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Saudi Arabia

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e)

Source: World Resources Institute, CAIT Climate Data Explorer, 2017

Asir 4.1% Climate ChangeE. Region 24% frequency and severity of heatwaves observed Tabouk 2.0% Closely related to air pollution is climate change. across the country, some Saudi cities have been Qassim 4.7% Hail 2.1% This phenomenon and environmental degradation susceptible to severe or unprecedented flooding N. Boarders 0.9% affect the quality of life, and threatens economic —particularly coastal cities such as Dammam, Madina 7.0% Jazan 1.6% and social stability. Some Saudi cities are Jubail and Jeddah. In 2009 and 2011, for Najran 1.1% experiencing environmental degradation induced instance, Jeddah registered flash floods that were Al Baha 1.0% by climate change. Besides the increasing regarded as the kingdom’sAl Jouf 1.3%worst in 30 years. Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0%

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 21

120

100

0 Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf Northern Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average Borders Region Region

Government services Trade Construction and building Transport and storage Industry Financial and real Agriculture Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services

Baha 6 Jazan 22 Arar 23 Abha 23 Najran 26 Qatif 38 Sakakah 41 Tabouk 54 Hail 58 Taif 59 Buriydah 120 Makkah 123 Hassa 128 Madinah 148 Dammam 907 Jeddah 1,066 Riyadh 2,395

15000

12000

9000

6000

3000

0 Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh Eastern region Region Province Region Cities Regions

Public Private

0 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran

Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23%

Building regulations 16%

Financing 3%

Land management 47% Building and development rights 2%

Obsolete laws

Large number of circulars

Centralized planning

Financial constraints

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Productivity 45.3 51.7 54.6 48.0

Governance and Legislation Infrastructure 56.4 52.7 50.9 54.3 36.2 49.4 37.8 43.6

Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life

24.7 63.4 42.9 71.9 44.8 71.9 61.7 62.9

Equity and Social Inclusion 51.8 57.9 49.2 33.9

FLOOD EVENT CASES Buildings Over Wadis MAIN ROADS

DAMS

CHANNELS

FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS 2009

FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS 2011

GREENERY

MAIN RIVERS BUILT-UP AREAS 2 Infrastructures Over Wadis

Disconnected network and 3 capacity constraints

Agricultural Practices Over Wadis 4

Source: City Profiles, Future Saudi Cities Program

Figure 14: Mean annual temperature trend (2030–2080)

Source: UNFCCC (2016)

Renewable Energy crude oil. Under the NTP, the kingdom has set a target to produce 3.45 GW of renewable Alongside increased urban growth, the demand energy by 2020, thus raising its share to 4 per for electricity in the Saudi Arabia is swelling. cent of total energy generated. In the same Estimates show that the country’s energy needs vein, Vision 2030 targets the production of 9.5 are growing by about 8 per cent annually and GW of renewable energy by 2030, equivalent are expected to reach 120 gigawatts (GW) per to 10 per cent of the total energy produced in year. Presently, energy is primarily drawn from the country.

22 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary Recommendations

Water Scarcity: There is an urgent need for Given the increased vulnerability of the nation’s more effective sustainable water management cities due to climatic changes, Saudi Arabia coupled with increasing the water supply from ratified the Kyoto Protocol at the United Nations renewable sources. In this regard, the nation Framework Convention on Climate Change needs to conserve, recycle and reuse all available in 2016. Included in the kingdom’s Intended freshwater, harvest rain, reduce underground Nationally Determined Contribution under the leakage, and improve policies on water Convention, for reductions in greenhouse gas consumption to prevent its unsustainable use. emissions, are set measures to develop and implement Integrated Coastal Zone Management Waste Management: Given that landfills plans that would protect coastal roads, residential generate methane, which is more hazardous to areas, industrial complexes, desalination plants the environment and populations than carbon and seaports, among other infrastructure. The dioxide, there is a need to invest in strategies which nation should further focus on the restoration minimize waste as the nation strives to reduce of water bodies through marine ecological risk it to zero level. These strategies would include assessments, strengthening of urban resilience in improved waste collection approaches; a drive line with the Sendai Framework, and integrating toward behavioural change; increased recycling sector-based climate change adaptation into projects to deter the creation of more landfill sites; urban environments—particularly with respect to and implementation of strict laws regarding waste health, infrastructure, transport and energy. management. Furthermore, municipal waste could be used to generate energy. To meet energy requirements without the use of crude oil, Saudi Arabia should harness its In pursuit of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enormous renewable energy potential, especially monitor air quality are intensifying, as exemplified in solar and wind. Moreover, it should establish by plans to develop and enforce environmental smart cities through investments in renewable standards and regulations. Examples include energy, carbon-saving technology and advanced General Authority for Meteorology and green building techniques. Environment imposing legally binding limits on air quality on various industries, and the alignment of pollution levels with international benchmarks. To reduce air pollution in cities, authorities need to expand air quality monitoring stations at the national level, monitor emission sources, as well as integrate air quality and source emission data with the central database system, and regularly conduct ambient air quality surveys.

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 23 24 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary CHAPTER 4

Dynamics of the urban economy

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 25 100

100

% of total urban population 40

% of total urban population 20

Fewer500,000 than to 300,000 1 million 300,000Over 1 million to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

15 5.1 million

10 14.4 million Urban population million 5 14.4 million Urban population million 5

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000

Fewer500,000 than to 300,000 1 million 300,000Over 1 million to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

10,000

8,000

8,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million 2.2 million

Urban population 000 4,000 3.3 million Urban population 000 2,000 2.4 million

2,000 2.4 million

Yanbu'Khubar al-Bahr ThuqbahJiddah TaifJubayl Ha'ilTabuk MakkahKhamis Mushayt(Mecca) HafarAl-Madinah al-Batin (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz

325

300 325 275 300 verall Population Density in 250 275 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225 verall Population Density in 250 200 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225 175 200 150 175 125 150 100 125 75 100 50

verall Population Density pha Population verall 75 25 50 verall Population Density pha Population verall 0 25 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 0 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

hen operational, Riyadh Metro Project Riyadh Rapid us Transit Project these transport henmodes operational, would have Riyadh6 Metro Project85 Riyadh Rapid us7 Transit1,800 Project thesethe capacity transport to shift a Lines Train Stations Terminal stations Community bus stops modesconsiderable would havenumber 6 85 7 1,800 theof carcapacity owners to toshift use a Lines Train Stations Terminal stations Community bus stops considerable number 7 5 22 3,000 these mass transit Maintenance Control and Percentage Lines Stops offorms car owners thereby to use 7and parking centers 5maintenance centers completed 22 3,000 thesedecongesting mass transit the Maintenance Control and Percentage Lines Stops forms thereby city’s roads, slashing and parking centers maintenance centers completed decongestingenergy consumption the 176 250 68% 906 1,900 km long Work sites Buses km city’swithin roads, the transport slashing energy consumption 176 250 68% 906 1,900 sector and possibly km long Work sites Buses km withinimproving the transport the city’s 470 3,600,000 900,000 1,083 sectorair uality and possibly Train cars Passengers per day Passengers per day Regular line improving the city’s 470 3,600,000(maximum capacity) (maximum900,000 capacity) 1,083stations air uality Train cars Passengers per day Passengers per day Regular line (maximum capacity) (maximum capacity) stations

T o Alqassim

Aldammam To

To Makkah T o Alkharj

EED Metro Lines Public transit is currently under rapid EED expansion across the city. There are six 2.5 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km Metro Stations Metro Lines Publicmetro transit lines is currently currently under under construction, rapid BRT Routes expansionsimultaneously. across the city. There are six Metro Stations 2.5 0 Metro2.5 Blue Line5 7.5 10 km Medinah to build a smart mass transport Bus Routes metroA us linesRapid currently Transit under RT construction, network with system by 2021 simultaneously. Metro Red Line BProposedRT Routes Ring Road three lines as well as a revamped and MetroMetro Blue Green Line Line MedinahTotal length to build of 95 a km,smart including mass transport 25 km Bus Routes Aorganized us Rapid bus Transit network. RT network with Rapid Train system by 2021 Metro Red Line underground and 48 km overhead Proposed Ring Road three lines as well as a revamped and Feeder Bus Metro Green Line TotalThe proposallength of includes: 95 km, including 25 km organized bus network. BRT Line Rapid Train underground and 48 km overhead Express Bus • 3 metro lines Feeder Bus The proposal includes: BRT Line • 2 bus rapid transit (BRT) lines Express Bus •• 3 4 metro express lines bus routes •• 2 7 bus feeder rapid bus transit routes (BRT) lines • 4 express bus routes • 7 feeder bus routes

600

Summary600 In an urban landscape comprising 17 cities, three 500 quarters of government funding for productive The urban500 economy in Saudi Arabia is dominated industries have gone to Riyadh (36 per cent), 400 by four major urban agglomerations: Riyadh, Jeddah (29 per cent) and Dammam (21 per Jeddah,400 Makkah, and Dammam. The three cent). Riyadh, for instance, is home to nearly half 300 regions where these cities are located account for (46 per cent) of the productive industries in the 300 nearly200 three quarters of the country’s GDP: Riyadh urban city system and about one third (34 per Region (29 per cent), Eastern Region (24 per cent) cent) of the productive industry in the country, 200 and Makkah100 Region (20.8 per cent). The four which represents 42 per cent of jobs in productive cities,100 together, account for over half of national industry in the urban city system and 30 per cent 0 employment:1990 Riyadh1991 1992 (34.91993 1994 per1995 cent),1996 1997Jeddah1998 1999(16.92000 2001 2002in the2003 kingdom.2004 2005 2006 (see2007 Figure2008 2009 17).2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 per cent),0 Dammam (14.8 per cent). 1990 1991Total1992 CO21993 (MtCO2)1994 1995 1996 1997Total1998 CH41999 (MtCO2e)2000 2001 2002 2003Total2004 N2O2005 (MtCO2e)2006 2007 2008 2009Total2010 F-Gas2011 2012(MtCO2e)2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e) Figure 15: GDP contribution of the regions to the overall GDP of the kingdom (without crude oil and gas), 2012 Asir 4.1% E. Region 24% Tabouk 2.0% Asir 4.1% E.Qassim Region 4.7% 24% Hail 2.1% Tabouk 2.0% N. Boarders 0.9% Qassim 4.7% Hail 2.1% Madina 7.0% Jazan 1.6% N. Boarders 0.9% Najran 1.1% Madina 7.0% Jazan 1.6% Al Baha 1.0% Najran 1.1% Al Jouf 1.3% Al Baha 1.0% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0% Al Jouf 1.3% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0% Source: City Profiles, Future Saudi Cities Program

Figure 16: Economic contribution to GDP in regions (without crude oil and gas), 2012 120

120 100

100 80

80 60

60 40

40 20

200 Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf Northern Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average 0 Borders Region Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf NorthernRegion Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average Borders Region Government services Trade Region Construction and building Transport and storage Industry Financial and real Agriculture Mining Electricity, gas and water Government services Trade ConstructionSocial and buildingpersonal servicesTransport and storage Industry estate services Financial and real Agriculture Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services

Baha 6 Source: City Profiles, Future SaudiJazan Cities22 Program BahaArar 6 23 JazanAbha 2223 NajranArar 2326 AbhaQatif 2338 26 Saudi Cities ReportSakakahNajran 2018:2641 Executive Summary TaboukQatif 3854 SakakahHail 4158 TaboukTaif 5459 BuriydahHail 58 120 MakkahTaif 59 123 BuriydahHassa 120128 MakkahMadinah 123148 DammamHassa 128 907 MadinahJeddah 148 1,066 DammamRiyadh 907 2,395 Jeddah 1,066 Riyadh 2,395

Baha 42 Qatif 238 BahaArar 42383 QatifAbha 238579 ArarTaif 383658 SakakahAbha 579661 TaboukTaif 658860 SakakahJazan 6612,680 TaboukHassa 8602,697 NajranJazan 2,6803,409 MadinahHassa 2,6973,788 MakkahNajran 3,4094,372 MadinahHail 3,7885,374 MakkahBuriydah 4,372 10,724 DammamHail 5,374 55,375 BuriydahJeddah 10,724 77,360 DammamRiyadh 55,375 94,470 Jeddah 77,360 Riyadh 94,470

15000

12000

9000

6000

3000

0 Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh Eastern 0 region Region Province Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh EasternRegion Cities region RegionsRegion Province Region Cities Regions Public Private

Public Private

40 35

35 30

30 25

25 20

20 15

15 10

10 5

5 0 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran 0 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran

Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23% Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23%

Building regulations 16%

Building regulations 16% Financing 3%

Land management 47% FinancingBuilding and3% development rights 2%

Land management 47% Building and development rights 2%

Obsolete laws

Obsolete laws Large number of circulars

Large Centralizednumber of circularsplanning

CentralizedFinancial constraints planning

Financial constraints 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Productivity 45.3 Productivity51.7 45.354.6 51.748.0 54.6 48.0

Governance and Legislation Infrastructure 56.4 52.7 Governance and Legislation50.9 Infrastructure54.3 56.436.2 52.749.4 50.937.8 54.343.6 36.2 49.4 37.8 43.6

Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life

24.7 63.4 Environmental Sustainability 42.9 Quality71.9 of Life 71.9 24.744.8 63.4 62.9 42.961.7 71.9 44.8 71.9 61.7 62.9 Equity and Social Inclusion 51.8 Equity and Social57.9 Inclusion 51.849.2 57.933.9 49.2 33.9 Holy Cities (Madinah and Makkah) 80-100 Very Strong Factors 70-79 Strong Factors HolyMajor Cities Cities (Madinah (Al-Hasa, and Dammam, Makkah) Jeddah, Riyadh and Taeif) 80-10060-69 VeryModerately Strong Factors Strong Factors Medium Size Cities (Buraydah, Qatif and Tabuk) 70-79 Strong Factors Major Cities (Al-Hasa, Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh and Taeif) 50-59 Moderately Weak Factors Minor Cities (Abha, Al-Baha, Arar, Hail, Jazan, Najran and Skaka) 60-69 Moderately Strong Factors Medium Size Cities (Buraydah, Qatif and Tabuk) 40-49 Weak Factors 50-59 0-39 ModeratelyVery Weak WeakFactors Factors Minor Cities (Abha, Al-Baha, Arar, Hail, Jazan, Najran and Skaka) 40-49 Weak Factors 0-39 Very Weak Factors 100

10080

6080

4060 % of total urban population

2040 % of total urban population

200 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

2025

1520 5.1 million

1015 5.1 million 14.4 million Urban population million 105 14.4 million Urban population million 05 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970Fewer1975 than1980 300,0001985 1990 1995 2000 2005 300,0002010 2015to 500,0002020 2025 2030 2035 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million 10,000

10,000

8,000

8,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million Urban population 000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million 2,000 2.4 million Urban population 000

2,000 2.4 million

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

0 Yanbu' 1950al-Bahr1955 1960Thuqbah1965 1970 1975Taif 1980 1985 Ha'il1990 1995 2000Makkah2005 (Mecca)2010 2015 2020Hafar2025 al-Batin2030 2035 Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Yanbu'Buraydah al-Bahr ThuqbahRiyadh TaifDammam Ha'ilNajran MakkahHufuf-Mubarraz (Mecca) Hafar al-Batin Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz

325

300 275 325 verall Population Density in 250 300 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225 275 200 verall Population Density in 250 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 175225

150200 125 175 100 150 12575 50

verall Population Density pha Population verall 100 25 75

500 verall Population Density pha Population verall 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 25

0 Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016

Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

hen operational, Riyadh Metro Project Riyadh Rapid us Transit Project these transport modes would have 6 85 7 1,800 henthe capacity operational, to shift a RiyadhLines Metro ProjectTrain Stations RiyadhTerminal Rapid stations us TransitCommunity Project bus stops theseconsiderable transport number modesof car owners would haveto use 76 585 227 3,0001,800 thethese capacity mass transit to shift a MaintenanceLines ControlTrain Stations and Percentage Terminal stationsLines Community bus Stopsstops forms thereby considerable number and parking centers maintenance centers completed ofdecongesting car owners theto use city’s roads, slashing 7 5 22 3,000 these mass transit Maintenance Control and Percentage68% Lines Stops formsenergy thereby consumption 176 250 906 1,900 kmand long parking centers Workmaintenance sites centers completed Buses km decongestingwithin the transport the city’ssector roads, and possibly slashing energyimproving consumption the city’s 176 250 68% 906 1,900 km470 long Work3,600,000 sites 900,000Buses 1,083km withinair uality the transport Train cars Passengers per day Passengers per day Regular line (maximum capacity) (maximum capacity) sector and possibly stations improving the city’s 470 3,600,000 900,000 1,083 air uality Train cars Passengers per day Passengers per day Regular line (maximum capacity) (maximum capacity) stations

T o Alqassim

T Aldammam o To Alqassim

Aldammam To

To Makkah T o Alkharj

To Makkah To EED Alkharj Metro Lines Public transit is currently under rapid expansion across the city. There are six 2.5 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 km Metro Stations metro lines currently under construction, EED BRT Routes simultaneously. Metro Lines Public transit is currently under rapid Metro Blue Line Medinah to build a smart mass transport Bus Routes expansionA us Rapid across Transit the city. RT There network are six with system by 2021 2.5 0Metro2.5 Red Line5 7.5 10 km ProposedMetro Stations Ring Road metrothree lines lines as currentlywell as a underrevamped construction, and organized bus network. Metro Green Line Total length of 95 km, including 25 km BRT Routes simultaneously. Rapid Train Metro Blue Line Medinahunderground to build and a48 smart km overhead mass transport Feeder Bus Bus Routes A us Rapid Transit RT network with systemThe proposal by 2021 includes: BRTMetro Line Red Line Proposed Ring Road three lines as well as a revamped and ExpressMetro Green Bus Line Total• 3 metro length lines of 95 km, including 25 km organized bus network. Rapid Train underground• 2 bus rapid andtransit 48 (BRT)km overhead lines Feeder Bus The• 4 expressproposal bus includes: routes BRT Line • 7 feeder bus routes Express Bus • 3 metro lines • 2 bus rapid transit (BRT) lines • 4 express bus routes • 7 feeder bus routes

600

500 600

400 500

300 400

200 300

100 200

0 100 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e)

Asir 4.1% E. Region 24% Tabouk 2.0% Qassim 4.7% HailAsir 2.1%4.1% E. Region 24% N. BoardersTabouk 2.0%0.9% Madina 7.0% Qassim 4.7% JazanHail 2.1%1.6% N. BoardersNajran 0.9%1.1% Madina 7.0% Al JazanBaha 1.6%1.0% AlNajran Jouf 1.3%1.1% Makkah 20.8% RiyadhAl Baha 29.0% 1.0% Al Jouf 1.3% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0%

120

100 120

80 100

60 80

40 60

20 40

0 20 Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf Northern Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average Borders Region Region 0 MadinahGovernmentMakkah servicesTabouk AlTrade Jouf Northern ConstructionAl Baha andAsir buildingEastern HailTransportJazan and storageNajran QassimIndustryRiyadh Average Borders Region Financial and real AgricultureRegion Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services Government services Trade Construction and building Transport and storage Industry Figure 17: Number of productive industries in 17 Saudi cities Financial and real Agriculture Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services Baha 6 Jazan 22 Arar 23 Abha 23 NajranBaha 626 JazanQatif 2238 SakakahArar 2341 TaboukAbha 2354 NajranHail 2658 QatifTaif 3859 BuriydahSakakah 41 120 MakkahTabouk 54 123 HassaHail 58 128 MadinahTaif 59 148 DammamBuriydah 120 907 MakkahJeddah 123 1,066 RiyadhHassa 128 2,395 Madinah 148 Dammam 907 Source: SaudiJeddah Industrial Development Fund, 2016 1,066 Riyadh 2,395

Baha 42 Figure 18:Qatif Government238 funding in productive industries in 17 Saudi cities, 2015 (million SAR) Arar 383 Abha 579 Baha Taif 42658 SakakahQatif 661238 TaboukArar 383860 JazanAbha 5792,680 HassaTaif 6582,697 SakakahNajran 6613,409 MadinahTabouk 8603,788 MakkahJazan 2,6804,372 HassaHail 2,6975,374 BuriydahNajran 3,409 10,724 DammamMadinah 3,788 55,375 MakkahJeddah 4,372 77,360 Hail 5,374 Riyadh 94,470 Buriydah 10,724 Dammam 55,375 Jeddah 77,360 Riyadh 94,470

Source: Saudi Industrial Development Fund, 2016.

Currently, the country is characterized by the total population, youth account for only 15000 a low labour force participation rate (only 17 per cent of the workforce, which indicates 56 per cent of the working age population a clear opportunity for improving productivity. 15000 is economically active), a relatively higher Additionally, there is a huge disparity between unemployment rate among Saudi nationals (12 average earnings in the public and the private 12000 per cent), and a higher youth unemployment sectors in all cities. Public sector workers on rate (24 per cent). The current share of Saudi average earn nearly six times more the those in women in the total work force is 17 per cent, the private sector. Moreover, the stability that 12000 which under the NTP is targeted to reach 24 comes with public sector jobs makes them the per cent by 2020. Despite representing half of preferred option for the urban youth. 9000

9000 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 27

6000

3000

Public Private

35 40

30 35

25 30

20 25

15 20

10 15

5 10

0 5 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran

0 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran

Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23%

Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23% Building regulations 16%

Financing 3% Building regulations 16% Land management 47% Building and development rights 2% Financing 3%

Land management 47% Building and development rights 2%

Obsolete laws

Large number of circulars Obsolete laws Centralized planning Large number of circulars Financial constraints Centralized planning 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Financial constraints

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Productivity 45.3 51.7 54.6 Productivity48.0 45.3 51.7 54.6 48.0

Governance and Legislation Infrastructure 56.4 52.7 50.9 54.3 49.4 Governance and Legislation36.2 37.8 Infrastructure43.6 56.4 52.7 50.9 54.3 36.2 49.4 37.8 43.6

Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life

24.7 63.4 42.9 71.9 Environmental Sustainability44.8 Quality71.9 of Life 61.7 62.9 24.7 63.4 42.9 71.9 44.8 Equity and Social Inclusion 71.9 62.9 61.7 51.8 57.9 49.2 Equity and 33.9Social Inclusion 51.8 57.9 Holy Cities (Madinah and Makkah) 49.2 80-100 Very Strong Factors 33.9 Major Cities (Al-Hasa, Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh and Taeif) 70-79 Strong Factors 60-69 Moderately Strong Factors HolyMedium Cities Size (Madinah Cities (Buraydah, and Makkah) Qatif and Tabuk) 80-10050-59 ModeratelyVery Strong WeakFactors Factors MajorMinor Cities (Al-Hasa,(Abha, Al-Baha, Dammam, Arar, Jeddah, Hail, Jazan, Riyadh Najran and Taeif)and Skaka) 40-4970-79 WeakStrong Factors Factors 60-69 Moderately Strong Factors Medium Size Cities (Buraydah, Qatif and Tabuk) 0-39 Very Weak Factors 50-59 Moderately Weak Factors Minor Cities (Abha, Al-Baha, Arar, Hail, Jazan, Najran and Skaka) 40-49 Weak Factors 0-39 Very Weak Factors 100

40 % of total urban population

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

15 5.1 million

10 14.4 million Urban population million 5

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

10,000

8,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million Urban population 000

2,000 2.4 million

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Yanbu' al-Bahr Thuqbah Taif Ha'il Makkah (Mecca) Hafar al-Batin Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz

325

300 275 verall Population Density in 250 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225

200

175

150 125

100

50 verall Population Density pha Population verall 25

0 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016

Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

T o Alqassim

Aldammam To

To Makkah T o Alkharj

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e)

Asir 4.1% E. Region 24% Tabouk 2.0% Qassim 4.7% Hail 2.1% N. Boarders 0.9% Madina 7.0% Jazan 1.6% Najran 1.1% Al Baha 1.0% Al Jouf 1.3% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0%

120

100

0 Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf Northern Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average Borders Region Region

Government services Trade Construction and building Transport and storage Industry Financial and real Agriculture Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services

Baha 6 Jazan 22 Arar 23 Abha 23 Najran 26 Qatif 38 Sakakah 41 Tabouk 54 Hail 58 Taif 59 Buriydah 120 Makkah 123 Hassa 128 Madinah 148 Dammam 907 Jeddah 1,066 Riyadh 2,395 Box 1: Increasing women’s participation in the economy Vision 2030 aims to raise women’s stature as an effective player at all levels. It sets a separate strategic objective to increase women’s participation in the labour market. Several women have been appointed to top-level positions in the private sector. One noteworthy progress has been the steady rise in women’s participation in the labour market fromBaha 1242 per cent in 2009. This share is expected to grow to 25 per cent by 2020. Saudi Arabia is Qatif 238 also inching closerArar to383 achieve its goal of gender parity of wages. Other notable achievements and targets include: Abha 579 • Allowing womenTaif 658to pursue business without consent of guardian Sakakah 661 • Ensuring thatTabouk women860 account for 20 per cent of private sector’s investments in 2017 Jazan 2,680 • 127,000 newHassa commercial2,697 registrations issued for women in 2017 Najran 3,409 • Creation Madinahof 450,000 3,788jobs for women Makkah 4,372 Hail 5,374 Source: KingdomBuriydah of Saudi Arabia (2018)10,724 Towards Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Tomorrow: First Voluntary National Review 2018 - 1439 Dammam 55,375 Jeddah 77,360 Riyadh 94,470

Figure 19: Average salaries in selected cities and regions, 2016

15000

12000

9000

6000

3000

0 Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh Eastern region Region Province Region Cities Regions

Public Private

Source: General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI), 2016

28 40 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary

0 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran

Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23%

Building regulations 16%

Financing 3%

Land management 47% Building and development rights 2%

Obsolete laws

Large number of circulars

Centralized planning

Financial constraints

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Productivity 45.3 51.7 54.6 48.0

Governance and Legislation Infrastructure 56.4 52.7 50.9 54.3 36.2 49.4 37.8 43.6

Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life

24.7 63.4 42.9 71.9 44.8 71.9 61.7 62.9

Equity and Social Inclusion 51.8 57.9 49.2 33.9

40 % of total urban population

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

15 5.1 million

10 14.4 million Urban population million 5

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

10,000

8,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million Urban population 000

2,000 2.4 million

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Yanbu' al-Bahr Thuqbah Taif Ha'il Makkah (Mecca) Hafar al-Batin Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz

325

300 275 verall Population Density in 250 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225

200

175

150 125

100

50 verall Population Density pha Population verall 25

0 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016

Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

T o Alqassim

Aldammam To

To Makkah T o Alkharj

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e)

Asir 4.1% E. Region 24% Tabouk 2.0% Qassim 4.7% Hail 2.1% N. Boarders 0.9% Madina 7.0% Jazan 1.6% Najran 1.1% Al Baha 1.0% Al Jouf 1.3% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0%

120

100

0 Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf Northern Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average Borders Region Region

Government services Trade Construction and building Transport and storage Industry Financial and real Agriculture Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services

Baha 6 Jazan 22 Arar 23 Abha 23 Najran 26 Qatif 38 Sakakah 41 Tabouk 54 Hail 58 Taif 59 Buriydah 120 Makkah 123 Hassa 128 Madinah 148 Dammam 907 Jeddah 1,066 Riyadh 2,395

15000

12000Saudi Arabia depends on expatriate labour in section. On average, the transfers from the central certain domains because of the severe skills government account for more than three quarters shortage among nationals in these occupations. of local government budgets. The ratio of own- Moreover, many private sector employers prefer source revenue to budget has been highest in the 9000 to hire migrant workers who cost less than Saudi port city of Jeddah (36 per cent) and lowest in nationals. Migrants comprise over three-quarters Najran (6 per cent); see Figure 20. of the labour force. Cities that have reported the largest6000 concentration of expatriates include Jeddah The high rate of Saudi family formation, the (52 per cent of the population), Makkah (47 per growing number of expatriate workers, the cent), Riyadh (42 per cent) and Dammam (41 per existence of undeveloped “white lands”, as well cent). The dependency on migrant workers is likely as the rate of growth of private sector activities to3000 persist in most cities, especially with the current in cities have somewhat outpaced the provision ambitious plans envisaged in Vision 2030. of housing, thereby contributing to shortages in affordable housing in urban areas. The dynamics Financing urban development continues to be a of the housing market in urban areas has also 0 major challenge asTaif Jeddah cities Makkahare still largely Dammam dependentHassa Riyadh resultedHail inSakakah an imbalance. Arar MakkahThis is illustratedRiyadh Eastern by the region Region Province on transfers from the central government. The segmentation of Saudi housing market, whichRegion has current financial system reflects theCities high level of shortage of housing for lower- andRegions middle-income centralization prevalent in the country’s overall households, and a concurrent surplus of luxury governancePublic system, which is discussedPrivate in the next housing.

Figure 20: Direct revenue as a share of total budgets of Amanahs (municipalities)

0 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran

Source: Ministry of Finance, 2015/2016

Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23%

Building regulations 16%

Financing 3%

Land management 47% Saudi Cities ReportBuilding 2018: and development Executive Summaryrights 2% 29

Obsolete laws

Large number of circulars

Centralized planning

Financial constraints

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Productivity 45.3 51.7 54.6 48.0

Governance and Legislation Infrastructure 56.4 52.7 50.9 54.3 36.2 49.4 37.8 43.6

Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life

24.7 63.4 42.9 71.9 44.8 71.9 61.7 62.9

Equity and Social Inclusion 51.8 57.9 49.2 33.9

Productive capacities: Meeting the ambitious infrastructure across cities within the kingdom to targets of Saudi Vision 2030 and the NTP 2020 ensure improved productivity, investment flows depend on reinforcing and expanding non-oil and employment creation. urban economic activities and on enhancing the economic role of secondary and tertiary Even as the nation continues to restructure the cities. Whilst there should be a targeted focus economic cities as well as create special zones, on the functional efficiency of its major cities, it the success of its current economic diversification is equally important for the nation to enhance strategy would depend on its ability to increase productive capacities across the urban system the productivity of the non-oil sectors and of by providing incentives for private investment its cities as drivers of the economy. A higher outside the leading regions. Indeed, future labour participation is essential. This would urban migrations will predominantly continue reduce fiscal pressures associated with welfare to these leading cities unless a major effort is support, mitigate against the consequences of made to improve the economic competitiveness long-term unemployment (such as psychosocial of secondary cities or divert newly created well-being, poor health outcomes), and improve employment to new growth poles. Redressing social inclusion and equity. Likewise, in its pursuit economic imbalances will, therefore, for “Saudization”, the kingdom needs to correct require a re-examination of national public the existing mismatches between the skills and investment priorities to improve the economic expectations, especially of the large cohort of competitiveness of secondary cities. This calls for young Saudis entering the job market and the the alignment of economic and other strategic needs of private sector employers.

Figure 21: Proposed corridors in the national spatial structure

Source: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2018a) Moving Forward: National Spatial Strategy 2030 — Green Paper. Riyadh

30 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary Box 2: Enhancing Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness through economic cities Economic cities are greenfield development projects being implemented as part of the Saudi Arabia vision to diversify from dependency on the oil as well as create employment and boost foreign direct investment. These cities present great opportunities for growing investments in new sectors such as emerging technologies, leisure and tourism activities that would further enhance the country’s competitiveness. The cities are being developed by the private sector with support from the government. They are planned on “smart city” and sustainable development principles, and they provide a gateway toward a green economy. Being modern, these cities are envisaged to meet the emerging socioeconomic needs in the country; for instance, growing the knowledge economy, which would enhance productivity and competitiveness in the kingdom particularly in equipping younger Saudis with professional skills required to implement the nation’s economic development strategy. King Abdullah Economic City: Located along the coast of the Red Sea, north of Jeddah. The focus of the city includes port and logistics (logistics hub), light industry, and services. It occupies 168 million square metres and the estimated investment size is US$27 billion. It is projected to host two million people and create one million jobs. Prince Abdulaziz bin Musaid Economic City: Located in Ha’il on the crossroads of trade and transportation routes of the Middle East. The city is a mixed-use development whose main economic focus is logistics (transport and logistics hub), agribusiness, minerals, and construction material. It occupies 156 million square metres and its investment size is US$8 billion. It is expected to create: 55,000 new jobs and host 80,000 people. The Knowledge Economic City: Located in Madinah and will have access to Makkah and Jeddah via the Haramain High Speed Railway. It focuses on knowledge-based industries and services. It occupies 4.8 million square metres at an investment of US$7 billion. It is expected to create 20,000 new jobs and host 200,000 people. Jazan Economic City: Located on the Red Sea coast in the south-western region of the nation. Its economic focus includes heavy industries, agribusiness, energy and labour-intensive industries. It occupies100 million square metres and an estimated investment of US$27 billion. It is expected to create 500,000 new jobs and host 250,000 people. King Abdullah Financial District: Located north of Riyadh, the development occupies 1.6 million square metres and its estimated investments size is US$10 billion. Al Faisaliyah City: Located in the western part of Makkah, Al Faisaliyah City is expected to provide one million jobs in different sectors including health, education, technology and services. The project covers 2,450 square kilometres. NEOM city: Located in Tabuk, it is a futuristic city expected to occupy 26,500 square kilometres. The estimated investment is US$500 billion. The city is expected to be a major commercial location in the Middle East. Qiddiya Project: Located 40 km away from downtown Riyadh. It is expected to be the world’s largest entertainment city that will satisfy the recreational, social, and cultural needs of the nation’s current and next

generation. The project occupies 334 square kilometres. Housing: Housing should not be seen just as a Municipal Finance: The rapid pace of the peripheral activity but a central force in sound country’s urban growth calls for rapid, adaptive economic development. It is necessary to link and innovative finance mechanisms by cities to economic effects of housing investments in cities to meet the demand for public infrastructure and the national macroeconomic goals and objectives. services. This would include introducing a range This linkage would ensure that housing provision of charges, fees and taxes (such as betterment at least keeps pace with macroeconomic policy levies, congestion fees), as well as implementing decisions or urban private sector activities. This is special development-based mechanisms (such important in minimizing shortages in affordable as floor area ratio increment fees, impact fees, housing and infrastructure for any segment and transfer of development rights). It is also of urban society. The government should also essential to embrace the delivery of many urban continue implementing its policies that stimulate development projects through public-private the real estate market such as diversifying real partnership. This would be an effective tool for estate financing sources and making mortgage financing public services and infrastructure. financing more accessible and affordable.

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 31 32 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary CHAPTER 5

Managing urban transformation in Saudi Arabia: The role of urban governance

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 33 Summary management of development (see Figure 20 for governance structure). Such centralization tends An assessment of the governance structure in Saudi to create unnecessary bureaucracy through long Arabia reveals certain features that may impede channels of communication and decision-making, sustainable and inclusive urban development. These thereby limiting the ability to attend promptly are discussed with respect to five main aspects to development issues intended to meet public of urban governance: institutional structures; needs and aspirations. The creation of multiple legal framework; planning system; finance; and government agencies to manage development municipal capacity and local management. Public activities have also been noted to result in ill- participation, another important component of defined distributions of responsibilities between governance, is a cross-cutting issue that is to be different levels of government, leading to overlaps integrated within all the aspects. in mandates and policies that contradict rather than complement each other. Additionally, public There is excessive centralization in the framework participation is limited as decision-making occurs for policy formulation and in planning and within formal government institutional structures.

Table 2: Planning responsibilities of key ministries and independent national planning authorities

Ministry Responsibility Ministry of Economy & Planning (MoEP) Prepares the 5-year development plans that guide development action Ministry of Interior (MoI) Oversees provinces and governorates, with a focus on security Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs Planning development of all cities and towns (MoMRA) Formulating planning regulations Formulating the National Spatial Strategy Urban services provision Land administration Ministry of Housing (MoH) Develops housing strategies Administers land grants Administers interest free loans Independent National Planning Prepare and approve all plans for the regions Authorities1 Supervision of all sectoral plans, including the strategic projects Urban regeneration projects for inner cities and historical areas Prepare land-use regulations Review and approve land subdivisions

1 Royal Decree No 475 of 22 May 2018, supported by the Ministry of Economy

Source: Al-Helmi (2015); Ajaj (2013)

34 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 100

40 % of total urban population

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

15 5.1 million

10 14.4 million Urban population million 5

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

10,000

8,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million Urban population 000

2,000 2.4 million

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Yanbu' al-Bahr Thuqbah Taif Ha'il Makkah (Mecca) Hafar al-Batin Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz

325

300 275 verall Population Density in 250 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225

200

175

150 125

100

50 verall Population Density pha Population verall 25

0 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016

Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

T o Alqassim

Aldammam To

To Makkah T o Alkharj

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e)

Asir 4.1% E. Region 24% Tabouk 2.0% Qassim 4.7% Hail 2.1% N. Boarders 0.9% Madina 7.0% Jazan 1.6% Najran 1.1% Al Baha 1.0% Al Jouf 1.3% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0%

120

100

0 Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf Northern Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average Borders Region Region

Government services Trade Construction and building Transport and storage Industry Financial and real Agriculture Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services

Baha 6 Jazan 22 Arar 23 Abha 23 Najran 26 Qatif 38 Sakakah 41 Tabouk 54 Hail 58 Taif 59 Buriydah 120 Makkah 123 Hassa 128 Madinah 148 Dammam 907 Jeddah 1,066 Riyadh 2,395

15000

12000

9000

Figure 22: Structure of the governance system in Saudi Arabia

6000

3000

0 Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh Eastern region Region Province Region Cities Regions

Public Private

5 Source: Ajaj (2013); Al-Hemi (2015); UN-Habitat (2016)

0 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran Figure 23: The number of laws on the main themes of urban planning legislation

Urban laws consist Plots and blocks 16% of over 500 pieces Public space 23% of legislation with most of these being regulated Building regulations 16% at the lowest level (circulars) Financing 3% lacking inviolable Land management 47% Building and development rights 2% authoritative force

Source: Future Saudi Cities Program

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 35

Obsolete laws

Large number of circulars

Centralized planning

Financial constraints

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Productivity 45.3 51.7 54.6 48.0

Governance and Legislation Infrastructure 56.4 52.7 50.9 54.3 36.2 49.4 37.8 43.6

Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life

24.7 63.4 42.9 71.9 44.8 71.9 61.7 62.9

Equity and Social Inclusion 51.8 57.9 49.2 33.9

40 % of total urban population

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

15 5.1 million

10 14.4 million Urban population million 5

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

10,000

8,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million Urban population 000

2,000 2.4 million

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Yanbu' al-Bahr Thuqbah Taif Ha'il Makkah (Mecca) Hafar al-Batin Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz

325

300 275 verall Population Density in 250 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225

200

175

150 125

100

50 verall Population Density pha Population verall 25

0 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016

Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

T o Alqassim

Aldammam To

Makkah To T o Alkha rj

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e)

Asir 4.1% E. Region 24% Tabouk 2.0% Qassim 4.7% Hail 2.1% N. Boarders 0.9% Madina 7.0% Jazan 1.6% Najran 1.1% Al Baha 1.0% Al Jouf 1.3% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0%

120

100

0 Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf Northern Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average Borders Region Region

Government services Trade Construction and building Transport and storage Industry Financial and real Agriculture Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services

Baha 6 Jazan 22 Arar 23 Abha 23 Najran 26 Qatif 38 Sakakah 41 Tabouk 54 Hail 58 Taif 59 Buriydah 120 Makkah 123 Hassa 128 Madinah 148 Dammam 907 Jeddah 1,066 Riyadh 2,395

15000

12000

9000

6000

3000

0 Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh Eastern region Region Province Region Cities Regions

Public Private

20 The assessment of the existing law-making and to local need are too weak to manage such an legal framework reveals shortcomings that require administratively complex system. 15 remedial action. The lack of codification of the legal system including judicial precedence has The funding system is centralized, with the 10 created uncertainty about the scope and content national government making the allocations for of laws. This has also led to varied application management and development action to local 5 of laws within cities due to challenges related to governments through yearly line item budgeting. their accessibility by various Amanahs (see Figures However, the decline in oil prices, the population 0 23 and 24). increase, and rising unemployment are affecting Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hailthe abilityTaif of theArar nationalHassa governmentJazan Baha to fundSkaka its Najran The current spatial planning governance structure development activities. Funding is also inadequate to is based on an orthodox linear hierarchy of plans. support the activities of municipal authorities, which However, the linear hierarchy is generally ineffective have very limited ways of generating local revenue. because the different levels of plans are not linked Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23% through clear processes or mutual accountability. Saudi municipalities are dealing with rapid urban In addition, different elements of the planning growth, which is one of the world’s fastest. This hierarchy are dominated by different institutions has engendered urban sprawl, which increases the without adequate coordination mechanisms. cost of providingBuilding public regulationsinfrastructure. 16% Moreover, Further challenges exist because numerous actors there is fragmentation of responsibilities due have the power or the ability to cut across the to lack of a decisiveFinancing role in 3% local management. hierarchy and introduce contradictory initiatives. Municipality activities are controlled by and Land management 47% Building and development rights 2% Additionally, there are significant ambiguities in dependent on the Ministry of Municipal and the nature, content and intended function of Rural Affairs that prepares the plans for local plans at different levels. Finally, the institutional implementation. Municipalities only have capacity and relative responsiveness of the system autonomy to prepare and implement action plans.

Figure 24: Key challenges of the Planning Law Framework according to Amanahs

Obsolete laws

Large number of circulars

Centralized planning

Financial constraints

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

• Cities and Regions depend on obsolete plans and legislation • Scattered planning regulations and access to the laws • Lack of decentralizationProductivity of planning functions • Lack of coordination45.3 among various authorities and overlapping roles between institutions • Financial constraints51.7 54.6 • Public participation48.0 and stakeholder engagement in the planning process is on an ad hoc basis and does not influence the plan

Source: Future Saudi Cities Program

36 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary Governance and Legislation Infrastructure 56.4 52.7 50.9 54.3 36.2 49.4 37.8 43.6

Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life

24.7 63.4 42.9 71.9 44.8 71.9 61.7 62.9

Equity and Social Inclusion 51.8 57.9 49.2 33.9

Institutional Structures: There is a need for Planning System: There should be a revision of decentralization to facilitate independent and the governance framework through jurisdictional innovative solutions to urban social problems at decentralization to focus, effectively, on community the lower levels of government. This should entail needs as supported by the New Urban Agenda. The the transfer of power, authority and functions agenda specifies that territorial urban design and from the central to the local government as planning processes should be led by subnational well as fiscal decentralization to enable local and local governments. It is necessary to implement governments to raise their own revenue. There participatory planning processes, and to have should also be improvements in structures for clear strategies that would enhance horizontal horizontal and vertical coordination to ensure that and vertical coordination in the management planning and action is always concerted between of development action. It is also essential to the different levels and arms of government. It improve regional and local staffing expertise as is equally important to open avenues for actors, well as introduce monitoring mechanisms, such including the private and voluntary sectors and as performance indicators, to assess the level of the general community to participate in decisions achievement of regional planning projects. regarding projects that affect them. Finance: Fiscal decentralization is necessary Legal Framework: There is a need to consolidate to enable innovative financing mechanisms urban legislation to support development (highlighted in the previous section), improve intervention, along with review, update and efficiency, increase competition and stimulate modernization of these laws to make them economic growth. relevant to the current development situation. This should also entail rethinking the law-making Municipal Capacity and Local Management: process to limit the number of actors. The mere There is need for strengthening municipal existence of the laws in Saudi Arabia would not institutions with power to undertake and monitor guarantee sustainable urban development as local management functions that would also the laws must be functionally effective, that is imply enabling them to generate independent they must be precise in achieving their intended sources of funding. This includes public-private results, clear, consistent and simple to understand. partnerships with the potential to engage The legal framework also needs to enshrine an important economic players who, in turn, create acceptable mode of public participation in public more employment opportunities and foster decision-making to foster equality and inclusion. economic prosperity of the nation’s cities. The Current Planning Act initiative that is currently taking place as part of the NTP is one of the major steps towards implementing this recommendation.

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 37 38 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary CHAPTER 6

Implementing the New Urban Agenda in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 39 Summary the Saudi Vision. Hence, the SDGs amplify key priorities of the national development agenda in Chapter 6 illustrates how the New Urban Agenda the three dimensions of social, economic, and (NUA) and the urban components of SDGs can environmental sustainability. support the Saudi Arabia’s efforts for sustainable development through a dedicated action The chapter highlights aspects that are crucial to framework that encapsulates national urban implementing the NUA including placing housing policies; a system of institutions, regulations and at the centre of urban policies and at the centre governance; urban and territorial planning; the of urban development; ensuring environmental urban economy and municipal finance; and local sustainability via green city development; and implementation in the form of planned city infill. continuously “reinventing” urban planning and design to tackle emerging urban challenges. It Saudi Arabia’s first Voluntary National Review identifies specific and concrete initiatives, which (VNR) presented during the High-Level Meeting in need to be undertaken to ensure the effective New York showed the country’s experience and implementation of the NUA in Saudi Arabia (see situation with the adaptation and implementation Box 3). This includes recognizing the effective of the Sustainable Development Agenda, policies, strategies, practices that have facilitated highlighting major achievements, challenges and success or progress towards the realization of lessons learned. It equally showed the country’s the commitments set out in the NUA. Important commitments to achieving the SDGs. The early considerations are placed on issues of monitoring implementation of the 2030 Agenda has greatly and evaluation for evidence-based policies, and benefitted from the launching, in early 2016, capacity development and enhancement in the of the Saudi Vision 2030, which outlines a clear implementation of the NUA. In this context, path for building a thriving society and economy. capacity development applies to giving visibility to The Saudi VNR report has shown, repeatedly, the role of training institutions and technological a significant degree of alignment between the innovations, in addition to the more established SDGs and Vision 2030 is already in place. Many meaning of strengthening institutions of of the SDGs and targets are incorporated into governance.

Box 3: Elements necessary for a successful implementation of the New Urban Agenda Given that the NUA is a resource for all levels of government, including civil society organizations and the private sector, the coordination of the following elements is necessary, to ensure successful implementation: • Sectoral national urban policies to promote an efficient territorial development pattern • National and local urban legislation and regulations to promote local economic development and manage growth • Urban planning and design interventions to achieve an efficient and socially equitable development pattern • Participatory municipal governance to ensure the efficient and fair implementation of local regulations

40 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary Overall, the kingdom has an expanding spectrum of emerging opportunities which, coupled with the strengths of the economy, provide the Box 4: Increasing women’s participation for sustainable country with the necessary impetus to build development its capacity, competitiveness, and efficient and harmonious territorial development. Already, Saudi Arabia is promoting women’s standing in development through capacity development and the country has been an active participant in harnessing. Vision 2030 dedicates important global discussions on climate change mitigation efforts for enablement of women in community solutions. At the heart of this lies an opportunity, and economic development, as well as in if managed well, of forming compact, resilient, raising women’s stature as effective players at all levels. Saudi Arabia has taken several inclusive and resource-efficient cities that are measures that aim to enable women to hold environmentally sustainable and with higher leading positions in the government. Earlier on, prospects of a greener way to live. women became members of the Shura Council (Consultative Council) with a Royal Order issued in 2013 to reserve 20 per cent of the Council’s Decentralization is slowly progressing with new seats for female members. Women were also municipal council structures. In 2005 and 2011, the elected to municipal board councils and several government embarked on a new initiative towards women were appointed to top-level positions in decentralization in which municipal council the government and private sectors. They hold several leading positions, such as vice minister, structures were established. However, from a total chairperson of Councils and deputy minister, of 1,212 members, only 506 of the councils were and a first-ever appointment of a woman as elected. Another round followed in 2015, in which Dean of Student Affairs, Taif University. Saudi women could vote and run for elective posts, winning 20 out of 2,000 local positions (see Box 4). Source: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2018) Towards Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Tomorrow: First Voluntary National The government is promoting women’s standing Review 2018–1439 in development through capacity development and harnessing, which is demonstrated by such measures as well as the rising number of Saudi women in the workforce.

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 41 Figure 25: Connecting SDGs and the New Urban Agenda

GOAL 11 TARGETS CPI SUB-DIMENSIONS CPI DIMENSIONS SDG WITH URBAN BASED TARGETS

11.1 Adequate, safe and affordable 1. Local Economic Development 8.1.1 City product per capita housing 2. Employment Productivity 8.2.1 Growth rate per employment 11.2 Accessible and sustainable transport 3. Municipal Finance 8.3.1 Informal employment systems for all 8.5.2 Unemployment rate 4. Adequate Housing 9.2.1 Manufucturing employment 11.3 Inclusive and sustainable urbanization 5. Energy and ICT Infrastructure 11.4 Safeguard the world’s cultural and 6. Urban Mobility 3.6.1 Traf c fatalities natural heritage 6.1.1 Access to improved water 7. Urban Form 6.2.1 Access to electricity 11.5 Reduce the number of people affected 8. Urban Land Quality of Life 9.c.1 Mobile network coverage by disasters 9. Public Space 17.8.1 Internet Access 11.6 Reduce the environmental impact of 10. Social Development cities 15.1.2 Forest (green areas) as a percentage of total land area 11. Economic Inclusion Equity and Social 16.1.1 Homicide rate 11.7 Provide universal access to safe 12. Gender and Youth Inclusion Inclusion 16.1.3 Population subjected to violence public spaces 13. Safety and Security 11.a Support links between urban, 1.1.1 Poverty rate peri-urban and rural areas 14. Resilience 15. Environmental Sustainability Environmental 5.5.1 Women in local government 11.b Increase integrated policies and plans 16. Climate Change Sustainability 8.5.1 Gender wage gap towards mitigation and adaptation to 8.6.1 Youth unemployment climate change 17. Urban Rules and Regulations 10.1.1 Growth rate 40% 11.c Building sustainable and resilient 18. Urban Governance Governance and buildings utilizing local materials Legislation 3.9.1 Population exposed to outdoor air pollution 6.3.1 Waste water treatment 7.2.1 Share of renewable energy 12.5.1 Solid waste recycling share

9.a.1 Investment capacity 16.6.1 Local expenditure ef ciency 17.17.1 Public-private partnership

However, as noted in previous chapters, emerging data is often difficult to find, except for Saudi challenges, coupled with inherent weaknesses, Arabia’s larger agglomerations. pose obstacles on the path of the NUA’s implementation in Saudi Arabia. These include, Although the role of local governments has local authorities’ limited political and fiscal been expanded to include the preparation power, lack of access to development finance, of subdivision plans, the establishment and low levels of institutional capacity, absence of enforcement of zoning regulations, and the robust multilevel government cooperation and issuance of building permits, the national integration, the inability to attract or be part of government continues to retain significant strong multi-stakeholder partnerships, as well as control over local governments. The the dynamics triggered by rapid demographic and municipalities have very limited authority to spatial growth for which public institutions are raise revenue. This report also shows that urban unable to manage effectively. Additionally, despite planning remains largely centralized in the considerable progress in recent years, complete Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs. and reliable city-level, social, economic and spatial

42 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary Recommendations

Considering the above-mentioned challenges, and process. In this regard, the government could building up on proposals advanced in previous combine top-down and bottom-up engagement sections, this chapter recommends the following: in urban policy formulation and implementation.

Continue the adaptation of the NUA and the Saudi cities require long-term and integrated Sustainable Development Goals to the realities of urban and territorial planning and design to the country through further alignment of national optimize the spatial dimension of cities to deliver programmes, plans and strategies with global the positive outcomes of urbanization. The development goals, targets and indicators. cities must make the best use of the economies of agglomeration, higher residential densities, It is necessary to have a clearer articulation and enhanced mobility demand with sustainable coding of laws and regulations to ensure that the transport solutions, and strengthen social different levels of government have the authority interactions. For this to be realized, it is crucial to discharge their responsibilities. The government to build capacities related to urban planning and already acknowledges the need to go beyond governance, budgeting, public asset management, sectoral policies and consider cooperation between digital-era governance, data gathering and different spheres of government and non-state engagement with stakeholders. Capacity-building actors, fostering a balanced distribution of powers, actions need to go beyond conventional training capacities and resources including the revision of and stimulate learning in the short, medium and legislative, regulatory and fiscal frameworks. long term.

Saudi Arabia’s national urban governance Besides capacity development, evidence-based frameworks needs, therefore, to enable policies with sound monitoring mechanisms effective multilevel governance through clear are critical for sustainable urban development. legal and institutional structures, based on the A national urban data system is, therefore, principles of subsidiarity and decentralization critical to reinforce and expand the use of urban (respect for local self-government, clear sharing indicators and for the review of the New Urban of powers and responsibilities) as well as an Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. adequate intergovernmental allocation of As part of the formulation and implementation financial resources. The allocation of resources of the National Spatial Strategy, demographic, to subnational governments also needs to be socioeconomic and environmental information coupled with equalization mechanisms to reduce should be developed at the regional scale. inequalities between regions, metropolitan areas Additionally, open data and use of new and intermediary cities, with the aim of building technologies are key for meaningful citizenry synergies and complementarities between cities engagement and improved service delivery. and territories. Led by the Ministry of Municipalities and Rural Affairs, municipalities in Saudi Arabia have, in Increased stakeholder participation would help recent years, customized the City Prosperity provide political commitment and maximize Initiative framework to national priorities and long-term investments, as well as strengthen defined a representative sample of 17 cities to urban planning and design for the public good. To assist in creating a national baseline and data enable better inclusion, articulation of the national collection plan that could support urban planning urban strategy should enshrine acceptable modes and management at the national, regional and of public participation in the decision-making local levels (see Figure 26).

Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary 43 100

40 % of total urban population

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

15 5.1 million

10 14.4 million Urban population million 5

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Fewer than 300,000 300,000 to 500,000 500,000 to 1 million Over 1 million

10,000

8,000 2.3 million 3.2 million

6,000 2.2 million 4,000 3.3 million Urban population 000

2,000 2.4 million

0 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Yanbu' al-Bahr Thuqbah Taif Ha'il Makkah (Mecca) Hafar al-Batin Khubar Jiddah Jubayl Tabuk Khamis Mushayt Al-Madinah (Medina) Buraydah Riyadh Dammam Najran Hufuf-Mubarraz

325

300 275 verall Population Density in 250 Saudi Arabia Metropolitan Areas 225

200

175

150 125

100

50 verall Population Density pha Population verall 25

0 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016

Jeddah Dammam Madinah Riyadh Makkah

T o Alqassim

Aldammam To

To Makkah T o Alkharj

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Total CO2 (MtCO2) Total CH4 (MtCO2e) Total N2O (MtCO2e) Total F-Gas (MtCO2e)

Asir 4.1% E. Region 24% Tabouk 2.0% Qassim 4.7% Hail 2.1% N. Boarders 0.9% Madina 7.0% Jazan 1.6% Najran 1.1% Al Baha 1.0% Al Jouf 1.3% Makkah 20.8% Riyadh 29.0%

120

100

0 Madinah Makkah Tabouk Al Jouf Northern Al Baha Asir Eastern Hail Jazan Najran Qassim Riyadh Average Borders Region Region

Government services Trade Construction and building Transport and storage Industry Financial and real Agriculture Social and personal services Mining Electricity, gas and water estate services

Baha 6 Jazan 22 Arar 23 Abha 23 Najran 26 Qatif 38 Sakakah 41 Tabouk 54 Hail 58 Taif 59 Buriydah 120 Makkah 123 Hassa 128 Madinah 148 Dammam 907 Jeddah 1,066 Riyadh 2,395

15000

12000

9000

6000

3000

0 Taif Jeddah Makkah Dammam Hassa Riyadh Hail Sakakah Arar Makkah Riyadh Eastern region Region Province Region Cities Regions

Public Private

0 Jeddah Abha Dammam Madina Buraydah Qatif Riyahd Makkah Tabouk Hail Taif Arar Hassa Jazan Baha Skaka Najran

Plots and blocks 16% Public space 23%

Building regulations 16%

Financing 3%

Land management 47% Building and development rights 2%

Obsolete laws

Large number of circulars Figure 26: The City Prosperity Initiative as platform for urban data Centralized planning

Financial constraints The City Prosperity Initiative as platform for urban data, 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% developed to formulate evidence-based monitoring for cities. Productivity This platform answers to 45.3 51.7 the 6 Dimensions of Urban 54.6 Prosperity: 48.0

Governance and Legislation Infrastructure 56.4 52.7 50.9 54.3 36.2 49.4 37.8 43.6

Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life

24.7 63.4 42.9 71.9 44.8 71.9 61.7 62.9

Equity and Social Inclusion 51.8 57.9 49.2 33.9

44 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary ISBN: 978-603-8279-62-5 46 Saudi Cities Report 2018: Executive Summary