The Role of Urban Planning in Guiding Urban Development within Saudi Vision 2030 Projects: From Strategic Intent to Spatial Reality
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Saudi Vision 2030 represents a major national transformation reshaping Saudi Arabia’s urban, economic, and social systems. While its economic objectives are well documented, the spatial planning mechanisms translating national goals into urban outcomes remain underexamined. This study investigates urban planning as a guidance mechanism within the Vision 2030 framework, focusing on how spatial strategies support economic diversification and sustainability. A mixed-method approach combining policy analysis and GIS-based spatial assessment is applied to the National Spatial Strategy 2030 and selected developments, including National Housing Company projects, Riyadh’s metropolitan restructuring, and King Salman International Airport. The findings indicate a shift from static master planning to a strategic-adaptive model supported by centralized governance and infrastructure-led development, while highlighting persistent connectivity gaps and spatial service imbalances. A conceptual Urban Planning Guidance Model is proposed to link governance, planning tools, and urban performance outcomes.
