redefining saudi arabia's urban landscape: a look at the kingdom's ... - Designboom

redefining saudi arabia's urban landscape

As Saudi Arabia positions itself as a hub of global design and architectural developments, a wave of ambitious megaprojects has already begun reshaping the kingdom's urban landscape. From futuristic zero-gravity cities powered by AI, to monumental cultural centers, luxury retreats amid ancient archeological heritage sites, and expansive transportation systems — Saudi Arabia has been harnessing cutting-edge design and visionary architecture to usher in a new era of progress and innovation.

Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, key architects and developers have been tapped for this initiative, including Foster + Partners who has plans to construct a state-of-the-art coral-inspired marine life institute, and Jean Nouvel with plans to sculpt a subterranean resort into the sandstone rock dwellings of AlUla.

image courtesy of Killa Design / The Red Sea Development Company

the line: the world's first zero-gravity vertical metropolis

As part of the ambitious NEOM development, THE LINE is a revolutionary vertical city concept that will house a car-free, linear urban development of hyper-connected AI-enabled communities powered by 100% clean energy. Stretching across 170 kilometers and and only 200 meters wide, the city is being developed in the kingdom's north-west Tabuk province with a distinct mirrored facade.

Designed to preserve natural landscapes, this project aims to create communities centered around human well-being, with a focus on reducing infrastructure by prioritizing walkability, sustainability, and technology integration. THE LINE will be completely free of cars and streets, with residents given access to nature and all of their daily needs within a walking distance of five minutes. While one-fifth of NEOM's infrastructure is already underway, plans aim for THE LINE to be completed by as early as 2030. 

image courtesy of NEOM

the red sea project: redefining luxury ecotourism

Located along the pristine coastline of the Red Sea on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, The Red Sea Project is a luxury tourism development spanning over 28,000 square kilometers. Encompassing an archipelago of more than 90 islands, miles of sweeping desert, and dramatic volcanic landscapes, this project aims to establish a sustainable destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

The masterplan is being developed by Red Sea Global, who has tasked acclaimed architectural firms, including Foster + Partners, Kengo Kuma and Associates, and Killa Design, to craft resorts, pristine beaches, and an array of marine activities across the site's 22 islands. The development centers around preserving and spotlighting the region's rich cultural heritage alongside its natural beauty. The initial phase of the project is set to be completed by the end of this year, with the masterplan scheduled for completion by 2030.

image courtesy of The Red Sea Development Company

diriyah gate: saudi arabia's new cultural capital

The mixed-use urban development aims to revive the historic city of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as Saudi Arabia's new cultural capital through the preservation of its heritage as well as the integration of vibrant contemporary elements. Led by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), the project is part of the Public Investment Fund's Vision 2030 initiative which aims to bring in 27 million visitors by 2030.

Located jut 20 minutes away from Riyadh's city center, the masterplan will introduce many new museums, hotels, retail spaces, entertainment facilities as well as residential living that showcase over 300 years of Saudi Arabian history. Combining traditional Najdi architectural typology with modern urbanism, the developments will promote the landmark's authentic heritage while generating tourism. The At-Turaif District UNESCO World Heritage Site — a mud-brick city which was the first capital of the Saudi Dynasty — sits at the heart of the development.

image courtesy of Vision 2030

alula: breathing new life into the ancient heritage site

AlUla, the two hundred centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage site, is undergoing developments that will transform its expanses of desert, sandstone mountains, and ancient cultural sites into a vibrant cultural oasis. Through the 'Journey through Time' masterplan pioneered by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the scheme has already seen the restoration of ancient archaeological sites revived as contemporary cultural spaces, and the development of several luxury hotels and galleries. French architect Jean Nouvel has already revealed plans to sculpt a subterranean resort and hotel amid the rock dwellings of AlUla.

image courtesy of the Royal Commission for AlUla

AMAALA: a wellness destination inspired by the red sea

The holistic development project will pose a wellness destination inspired by arts, self-transformation, and the purity of the Red Sea within the Crown Prince's Natural Reserve. While preserving the region's untouched natural resources, it will comprise luxury resorts from internationally renowned hotel brands, art galleries, performance venues, an arts academy, and over 800 residential facilities. Among the leading architects shaping this creative vision are Foster + Partners, developing a mirage-inspired airport as well as a coral-inspired marine life institute, and John Heah, fusing Islamic architecture with luxury contemporary design for a resort for spa-clinic brand Clinique La Prairie. Led by Red Sea Global and forming part of the Saudi Vision 2030 program, AMAALA is set for completion in 2027.