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Urban Center Redevelopment in Al-Dilam to Enhance Historical and Cultural Identity
Researchers: Dr. Musab Al-Otaibi, Dr. Mohammed Al-Mubraz, and others
Institution: King Saud University – College of Architecture and Planning
Year: 1446H
This study was based on field data and information provided by Riyadh Municipality, aiming to support the redevelopment of a vibrant urban center in Al-Dilam that reflects the city's historical and cultural identity, while considering social, environmental, and urban development aspects.
Strategic location of the new urban center selected in an area safe from flood risks, connecting the eastern and western parts of the city and serving regional corridors.
Urban growth has shifted westward due to natural barriers in the east such as sand dunes and flood channels.
High-density neighborhoods like Al-Sahna and Al-Ezdihar are concentrated in the western area of the city.
Commercial activity and services are weak within neighborhoods, with most concentrated along main roads.
Opportunities exist to revive cultural and architectural heritage, such as the historic Al-Dilam Wall and the heritage village, supporting tourism and local identity.
A high percentage of underutilized lands offers potential for replanning and better land use.
A lack of green spaces and public facilities in the current urban center, along with visible deterioration in vegetation cover.
The city center is impacted by seasonal flood risks, leading to urban fragmentation and hazardous zones.
Poor integration of pedestrian networks and parking areas in some streets has negatively affected accessibility and mobility.
This research provided a scientific foundation and a sustainable planning vision that contributes to the creation of a dynamic urban center. It supports local tourism, enhances quality of life, and aligns with future urban development goals for the city of Al-Dilam.
Enhancing the Urban Landscape in Al-Qirawan District through Integration with the Murabba Project in Riyadh
Researcher: Ahmed bin Saud Al-Mutairi, Master’s Student – Department of Urban Planning, College of Architecture and Planning – King Saud University
Institution: King Saud University, College of Architecture and Planning, Department of Urban Planning, May 2025
The study aims to enhance the urban landscape in Al-Qirawan District in Riyadh through integration with the Murabba Project, one of the city’s largest development initiatives. It is based on the principles of sustainable urban planning, focusing on infrastructure development, expansion of green spaces, promotion of active mobility options, and overall improvement of quality of life. The study also adopts concepts of strategic planning, urban integration, and community participation in urban decision-making.
The research relied on coordination with the Riyadh Municipality, which provided the researcher with a set of open data relevant to the study’s topic. This contributed significantly to supporting the study’s content and achieving its objectives.
Weak quality of urban spaces and infrastructure in Al-Qirawan District.
Lack of clear design standards for streets, parks, and public facilities.
Weak visual and functional connectivity with the Murabba Project.
Need for safe pedestrian and cycling paths.
Shortage of green spaces and attractive community facilities.
Presents a sustainable urban model that can be applied in other neighborhoods in Riyadh.
Contributes to achieving the targets of Saudi Vision 2030 regarding quality of life and urban environment development.
Enhances the urban and economic value of the district.
Supports integration between megaprojects and residential neighborhoods.
Strengthens the visual identity of the district and enhances residents’ sense of belonging.
Provides a basis for adopting new urban and legislative standards in urban development.
An Innovative Urban Tech-Industries Complex in Banban, Riyadh: An Integrated Platform for Innovation, Development, and the Knowledge Economy
Researchers: Nawaf Al-Shehri, Nawaf Al-Shuwaired, Abdullah Al-Shehri, Nawaf Al-Ashwal
Institution: King Saud University – College of Architecture and Planning – Department of Urban Planning
This study aims to design a comprehensive urban tech-industries complex in the Banban district, north of Riyadh. The proposed complex seeks to create an innovative urban environment that integrates technology-based industries with research and development centers, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The project focuses on providing dedicated spaces for start-ups, technology-driven factories, and research facilities within a collaborative and creative ecosystem. It emphasizes fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening the knowledge-based economy.
The research relied on coordination with the Riyadh Municipality, which provided the researchers with a set of open data relevant to the study topic, thereby enriching its content and supporting the achievement of its objectives.
The “City of Tech Industries” project was selected as a model to study the environmental and urban impact of an innovative development in northern Riyadh.
A comprehensive site analysis was conducted, covering surrounding landmarks, traffic networks, environmental and topographic characteristics, and existing urban patterns.
The study assessed the suitability of the site from an urban planning perspective, identifying challenges such as the presence of an oil pipeline and weak connectivity to surrounding road networks.
Global case studies (e.g., Suzhou, Cyberjaya, and East Boulder) were reviewed to extract lessons applicable to future development of the project.
The study concluded that the project has strategic potential to become a future technology hub if planning and environmental challenges are adequately addressed.
The study reinforces the national direction toward digital transformation and economic diversification by presenting a practical model for an innovative urban tech-industries complex. It highlights the capacity of urban planners to integrate innovation with strategic planning, while supporting local content and entrepreneurship.
Moreover, it contributes to creating an enabling environment for start-ups, generating high-quality job opportunities, and advancing a sustainable knowledge-based economy.
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Last Update:
05/22/2025
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