Riyadh Municipality, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, has approved a new set of regulations and requirements for the approval of urban plans in the capital. These regulations mandate that engineering offices and real estate developers must fully complete all infrastructure components and public spaces before starting any construction work. This strategic move represents a fundamental shift in urban planning methodology and reinforces the principles of sustainability and quality of life in the city.

The new requirements include the completion of road paving and asphalting, street lighting, water supply networks, sewage systems, electricity, and telephone lines. Additionally, they require the development of stormwater drainage systems, establishment of parks and green spaces, landscaping, and the provision of public space elements such as open areas, street name signage, road planning, and urban furniture to enhance public areas all in accordance with the technical guidelines approved by the Municipality.

This initiative is part of Riyadh Municipality’s efforts to promote proactive urban development and avoid recurring issues seen in previous planning models — such as repeated road excavation after construction, delays in service delivery, and incomplete urban environment elements during early development phases.

These regulations aim to improve the quality of new developments, create fully integrated neighborhoods that meet residents’ needs, optimize land use efficiency, and support the expansion of green spaces, pedestrian paths, and cycling lanes. This aligns with the Municipality’s goals of humanizing the city, achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, and positioning the capital as a modern, resilient, and sustainable city.