In a progressive and stimulating step to advance a new urban boom in the city of Riyadh, royal directives were issued to accept the proposals submitted by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs regarding the suspension of building and urban planning licenses for a number of Riyadh’s main streets; this is to raise the quality of urban design in the capital, which is the civilized address of any country because it is the focus of the world’s attention and the impression of its visitors.
The decision was welcomed by all those concerned about the future of Riyadh, the city around which the region's compass revolves according to its economic, political, and social indicators, due to its pivotal role that has made it the appropriate capital for conferences, meetings, and regional summits. This is in addition to the tourism focus that has been integrated into the Kingdom's policies, which has obligated officials to work on improving Riyadh's visual image. We commend the decision, approved by the highest authority, that began with important streets in Riyadh that blend the economic dimension with the tourist and recreational character, such as King Salman Road, King Khalid Road, Jeddah Road to Qiddiya, and King Khalid Airport Road (north of the Northern Ring Road). We hope that it will be expanded in the next phase to include other roads of value so that these facades can achieve the ambitions of the new capital, which are in line with King Salman's vision of creating a distinguished image for Riyadh, making it one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Sometimes you are surprised by the mess in those streets on which the state has spent millions from some real estate developers, especially the entrances to the main cities. We see the defect and find most of them are falafel shops, weak restaurants, building materials, or furniture! In addition to the uncivilized building designs that lack beauty.
A specialized committee for approving building permits
It is good that the decision recognized the need for proper handling of such fundamentals. The construction process will not stop, but there will be strict and precise controls set by a specialized committee formed for this purpose from the Royal Court, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, the Riyadh Region Municipality, and the Riyadh City Development Authority, so that the constructions that are built on such roads are befitting the civilized capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, such as towers, luxury hotels, and headquarters of large companies, and the phenomenon of cars crowding in front of retail shops that impede traffic and other activities that may be in the small streets within the neighborhoods will disappear.
We hope that all real estate professionals, developers, and architects will contribute to shaping the “Model Neighborhoods” initiative so that the aesthetic landscape of our capital, Riyadh, will be completed. They are worthy of taking the initiative because of their high level of experience and their patriotism, which will overcome all difficulties, God willing.
