His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has officially launched the Saudi Architectural Character Map,
featuring 19 distinctive architectural styles inspired by the Kingdom’s diverse geographical and cultural characteristics.
The initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to celebrating its architectural heritage,
enhancing urban quality of life, and modernizing cityscapes as part of Vision 2030.
The Crown Prince emphasized that Saudi architecture will reflect the cultural and geographical diversity of the Kingdom
while ensuring sustainable urban planning that harmonizes with the local environment and integrates traditional architectural elements into modern designs.
Blending Heritage with Contemporary Design
“Saudi architecture blends our deep-rooted heritage with contemporary design thinking,” said the Crown Prince.
“We are working to improve urban landscapes and quality of life while building an architectural framework that balances the past and present.
This model will serve as a global inspiration for architectural innovation.”
He further added:
“Saudi architecture will indirectly contribute to economic growth by making our cities more attractive to visitors and tourists, stimulating sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and construction.
It also lays the foundation for a thriving urban future where our cities and communities flourish.”
Saudi Architecture: A Catalyst for Urban Transformation
The Saudi Architecture Exhibition aims to enrich urban architectural diversity, elevate the visual identity of cities, and empower local talent.
By 2030, the initiative is expected to contribute more than 8 billion SAR ($2.13 billion) to the Kingdom’s cumulative GDP and create over 34,000 direct and indirect jobs in engineering, construction, and urban development sectors.
The Saudi Architecture initiative provides developers with clear guidelines, allowing them to utilize modern building materials without incurring additional financial burdens.
Each of the 19 architectural styles offers three design variations:
- Traditional,
- Transitional, and
- Contemporary,
thus encouraging creativity while preserving the authenticity of local architecture.
Phased Implementation of Saudi Architecture
The initiative will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase focusing on Al-Ahsa, Taif, Mecca, and Abha.
Initial applications will prioritize major projects, government buildings, and commercial establishments.
The Saudi Architectural Character Map outlines 19 unique styles, derived from extensive urban and historical studies on traditional building practices passed down through generations.
These styles include:
- Central Najdi
- Northern Najdi
- Tabuk Coast
- Medina Countryside
- Inner Medina
- Hijazi Coast
- Taif Highlands
- Sarawat Mountains
- Asir Plateau
- Tihama Slopes
- Tihama Coast
- Farasan Islands
- Abha Highlands
- Bisha Desert
- Najran
- Al-Ahsa Oasis
- Qatif Oasis
- Eastern Coast
- Eastern Najdi
Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Implementation
The successful implementation of Saudi architecture relies on partnerships between government agencies, engineering firms, and real estate developers.
Architectural design studios will play a crucial role in supporting engineers and designers by providing technical guidance,
training workshops, and skill development programs to ensure the highest standards of sustainability and quality.
This landmark initiative not only preserves Saudi Arabia’s rich architectural identity but also positions the Kingdom as a global leader in sustainable and culturally enriched urban development.
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