City Know-hows
Rapid urbanization in Saudi Arabia poses threats to both climate and public health. This study highlights practical strategies – like green infrastructure and sustainable transport – that can help cities become healthier, more resilient, and better equipped to address future environmental and social challenges.
Share
Target audience
Urban planners, public health officials, and city-level sustainability policymakers in Saudi Arabia and other rapidly urbanizing regions globally.
The problem
Saudi Arabian cities are growing rapidly, and this urbanization is putting pressure on public health and the environment. Many of these cities are not yet equipped with the infrastructure or planning strategies needed to mitigate climate change impacts or promote community well-being. Without immediate action, this growth will increase health risks and environmental degradation.
What we did and why
We conducted a critical review of international city projects that addressed the health and climate challenges of urbanization. Our aim was to explore whether Saudi cities could adopt similar approaches. We focused on solutions like green spaces, sustainable transport, and community health programs to see how they might apply to the unique context of Saudi Arabia.
Our study’s contribution
We found that Saudi cities can take action by:
– Expanding green infrastructure to cool cities and promote physical activity;
– Investing in public transport to reduce pollution;
– Launching public health campaigns tailored to urban needs.
We also highlight the importance of strong urban planning and engaging citizens in co-creating solutions.
Impacts for city policy and practice
City leaders should prioritize sustainable and health-oriented urban design in development strategies. We recommend pilot projects that demonstrate the value of green and walkable neighbourhoods, integrated public transport systems, and public health campaigns that address climate-linked risks. These steps can help cities in Saudi Arabia meet Vision 2030 goals while improving citizens’ quality of life. Other cities that are experiencing rapid growth and urbanization can learn lessons too from our study.
Further information
Full research article:
Pathways towards sustainable and healthy cities in Saudi Arabia by Abdulaziz I. Almulhim
Related posts
Our research highlights how some groups in London, like children, ethnic minorities, and lower-income residents, experience hotter areas due to the Urban Heat Island effect. We provide a clear approach for local governments to make climate action fairer and more effective.
This paper investigates how health-promoting planning strategies are leveraged in place-based urban transformation initiatives to develop public spaces within neighbourhoods to improve children’s and community wellbeing. Safe, healthy, and accessible neighbourhood public spaces transform children’s lives in cities.
Play streets are gaining popularity around the world. In French cities, more and more residents and local associations wish to develop play streets. One-off play streets are especially popular to introduce residents to the concept of a play street. However, there is little research outlining the key contextual elements for developing long-term or recurring play streets; these confront different obstacles than one-off play streets and require different efforts from those developing the play street.
