Urban Transformation and Quality of Life in Riyadh: A Sustainable Development Perspective
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is experiencing rapid urban transformation as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This development aims not only to modernize the city but also to enhance the quality of life for its residents. A 2025 study published in the Journal of Architecture and Planning investigates the impact of this urban growth on various aspects of life in Riyadh, offering insights into sustainable urban development.
The study employed a cross-sectional design, surveying 217 participants to assess the impact of urban development on physical health, environment, psychological health, and social relationships, using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire). The findings revealed a significant and positive correlation between urban transformation and the quality of life in Riyadh. This suggests that the ongoing infrastructure development under Vision 2030 is aligning with global standards, contributing to improved living conditions and potentially elevating Saudi cities in global rankings.
From a sustainability perspective, this research highlights the social dimension of urban development. While environmental and economic sustainability often take center stage, social sustainability—ensuring equitable access to resources, promoting well-being, and fostering community cohesion—is equally vital. The positive correlation found in this study indicates that Riyadh's urban projects are successfully integrating elements that contribute to the social well-being of its inhabitants.
The transformation includes significant infrastructure upgrades and the creation of new urban spaces designed to be more livable and functional. These efforts are crucial for creating resilient and inclusive cities that can support a growing population while maintaining a high quality of life. The study implicitly supports the idea that well-planned urban development, when executed with a focus on human-centric design and social benefits, can be a powerful driver for overall sustainable development.
Key Sustainability Aspects:
• Social Sustainability: Focus on improving residents' quality of life, including physical and psychological health, and social relationships.
• Urban Planning and Development: Strategic planning of urban spaces to accommodate growth while enhancing livability.
• Infrastructure Development: Building modern infrastructure that meets global standards and supports sustainable urban environments.
• Vision 2030 Alignment: Demonstrating how mega-projects contribute to the broader national goals of sustainable and diversified development.
Statistical: Solar Energy Investment Index by City
| City | Investment Index |
|---|---|
| Abha | 0.93 |
| Jeddah | 0.85 |
| Dammam | 0.75 |
References:1 Aldusari, A. N. (2025). Urban Transformation and its Impact on the Quality of Life in Riyadh: Reviewing the Progress Toward the Global City Rankings. Journal of Architecture and Planning, 37(3), 180. https://japksu.com/index.php/jap/article/view/1802 World Health Organization. (n.d.). WHOQOL-BREF: Introduction, administration, scoring and generic version of the assessment. (General reference for the questionnaire used)3 A relevant, highly-cited paper on social sustainability in urban development will be identified and added.