Milestone History
Overview of the Municipality’s History
A development journey that began with a municipality established to meet the needs of a growing city, evolving into a central entity that leads urban development pathways across the Riyadh region.
It is a legacy we take pride in one that inspires our ambition to continue building toward a more prosperous future and a higher quality of life.
The Beginning of the Journey – 1348H / 1930
The early beginnings were marked by the establishment of a municipality to provide essential services for Riyadh. Mr. Othman Ayoub was appointed as the first Head of the Municipality.
The Organizational Phase – 1361H / 1942
An administrative body for the Riyadh Municipality was formed under the leadership of Mr. Mahmoud Saleh Qattan, supported by a group of employees. This step strengthened the administrative structure and organized municipal operations.
Urban Expansion – 1375H / 1955
The “Riyadh Municipality” was transformed into the “Municipality of Riyadh City”, paving the way for a stronger institutional role in delivering integrated municipal services to a rapidly expanding city.
Regional Expansion – 1426H / 2005
The name “Municipality of Riyadh City” was changed to “Riyadh Region Municipality”, extending its responsibilities to include municipalities across the region and positioning it as a leading center for municipal development at the regional level.
Governance and Digital Transformation – 1441H / 2020
The Municipality launched its strategic framework focusing on five core pillars:
- Urban Excellence
- Outstanding Municipal Services
- Digital Knowledge Destination
- Investment Promotion
- Innovation, Governance, and Digital Transformation
Riyadh Municipal Transformation – 1447H / 2025
A transformation initiative considered one of the most important strategic programs aimed at enhancing city operations and improving service quality. The initiative restructures 16 sub-municipalities in Riyadh into five enabling sectors that deliver both direct and indirect services.
It also introduced “My City” service offices, designed to strengthen proximity to residents, enhance customer service, and support community engagement activities.
Present and Ambition – The Municipality Today
The Riyadh Region Municipality continues to play an active role in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, by leading urban transformation, enhancing quality of life, empowering the private sector, and shaping a smart urban future for Riyadh.