The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MoMaH), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), convened the second National Urban Policy stakeholder workshop in Riyadh on 15 February. The workshop marks an important step in the nationally led process to develop Saudi Arabia’s first National Urban Policy. 

Building on the findings of the first stakeholder workshop held in July 2025, the session brought together representatives from more than 20 government entities, development authorities, the private sector, academia, and international partners to further refine draft policies and actions and strengthen implementation and monitoring considerations. The continued engagement reflects a structured and participatory approach to shaping a coherent national framework aligned with the Kingdom’s long-term development priorities. 

Strengthening Coordination and Implementation 

As Saudi Arabia continues its urban transformation, coordinated policy frameworks are essential to align infrastructure investment, land use planning, municipal performance, and service delivery within a unified national vision. 

During the workshop, participants reviewed draft policy measures, clarified institutional roles and responsibilities, and discussed mechanisms to enhance coordination across sectors and levels of government. Discussions also focused on strengthening implementation pathways and advancing inputs into the monitoring framework to ensure accountability and measurable progress. 

A Government-Led Process, Strengthened Through Partnership 

In her opening remarks, UNDP Resident Representative, Nahid Hussein, underscored the importance of national ownership, whole-of-government coordination, and sustained institutional collaboration in shaping an effective National Urban Policy. She noted that a clear and coordinated urban policy provides a practical framework to align institutions and guide implementation. 

The National Urban Policy process remains firmly government-led, with UNDP and UN-Habitat providing technical and strategic support under the Support to the Spatial Planning Reform and Visual Appeal Program. The three-year partnership with MoMaH combines national leadership with international expertise to strengthen policy coherence and institutional capacity. 

National Urban Policies are widely recognized as tools to guide sustainable urban development, clarify institutional mandates, and foster coordination across governance levels. In the Saudi context, the policy contributes to advancing Vision 2030 by promoting balanced territorial development, enhancing economic competitiveness, improving quality of life, and strengthening environmental sustainability. 

Moving Forward 

The outcomes of the second stakeholder workshop will inform the next iteration of the National Urban Policy and its implementation and monitoring framework. Continued collaboration across institutions will be central to ensuring that the policy remains actionable, measurable, and responsive to the Kingdom’s evolving urban landscape. 

Through national leadership and sustained partnership, the National Urban Policy process represents a forward-looking approach to strengthening urban governance and supporting long-term development across the Kingdom. 

For more information on UNDP’s role in supporting urban transformation in Saudi Arabia, reach out to urban.sa@undp.org