Sustainable development and governance in Saudi cities

Abstract EN

The dramatic development of urban and rural areas in Saudi Arabia over the last five decades resulted in enormous stresses on natural and man-made habitats across several regions.

This led to serious environmental problems which pose challenges for environmental sustainability.

Although the government has made steady progress in environmental protection by establishing a legal regime to handle it, sustainable development has not yet been achieved due to inadequate urban planning and management schemes that inadequately address accelerated urbanization.

This paper explores the attitudes of experienced professionals and officials in urban and environmental planning towards the quality of environmental sustainability in Saudi cities.

This research aims to discuss institutional arrangements and mechanisms for environmental sustainability, highlighting key challenges and opportunities to shape action.

The researcher also discusses recent reform initiatives of Saudi Vision 2030 promoting urban governance.

Broadly speakinghe, the investigation – which is based on extensive literature review, documentary analysis and a qualitative survey – notes that, a holistic approach to sustainability governance is urgently needed.

This can help integrate the agendas of the multiple actors and agencies involved.