Saudi Crown Prince Launches Saudi Architecture Characters Map to Celebrate Cultural Heritage and Urban Modernization
Jeddah, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman officially launched the Saudi Architecture Characters Map, a groundbreaking initiative that highlights 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by the Kingdom’s diverse geography and cultural heritage. The move underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its architectural legacy while modernizing urban landscapes as part of Vision 2030.
As Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Saudi Architectural Design Guidelines, the Crown Prince emphasized that Saudi Architecture reflects the country’s cultural and geographical diversity. He highlighted the importance of sustainable urban planning that integrates traditional architectural elements into modern designs, ensuring harmony with the local environment.
“Sustainable urban planning must harmonize with our environment while celebrating our rich architectural heritage,” the Crown Prince stated. “We are enhancing urban landscapes, elevating the quality of life, and building an architectural framework that balances the past and the present. This model will serve as a global source of inspiration for innovation in architectural design.”
The Saudi Architecture initiative is poised to contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s economic growth by making its cities more attractive to tourists and visitors. This, in turn, is expected to boost sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and construction. By 2030, Saudi Architecture is anticipated to contribute over SR8 billion to the Kingdom’s GDP and create more than 34,000 direct and indirect jobs across engineering, construction, and urban development sectors.
Designed to offer flexibility for developers, Saudi Architecture provides guidelines that integrate modern building materials while avoiding excessive financial burdens. Each of the 19 architectural styles features three design typographies—traditional, transitional, and contemporary—encouraging creativity while preserving the authenticity of local architecture.
The implementation of the initiative will occur in phases, with the first phase focusing on Al-Ahsa, Taif, Makkah, and Abha. The initial applications will target major projects, government buildings, and commercial structures, setting the foundation for broader adoption across the Kingdom.
The Saudi Architecture Characters Map encompasses 19 styles, drawing inspiration from geographical, natural, and cultural elements rooted in urban and historical building traditions passed down through generations. These styles include Central Najdi, Northern Najdi, Tabuk Coast, Madinah Rural, Inner Madinah, Hejazi Coast, Taif Highlands, Sarawat Mountains, Aseer Escarpment, Tuhama Foothills, Tuhama Coast, Farasan Islands, Abha Highlands, Bisha Desert, Najran, Al-Ahsa Oasis, Al-Qatif Oasis, East Coast, and Eastern Najdi.
The efforts to implement Saudi Architecture are driven by collaborations between government agencies, engineering firms, and real estate developers. Architectural design studios will support engineers and designers through workshops, training, and skill development programs to ensure the highest standards of sustainability and quality.
