Saudi Arabia's massive real estate developments are quickly becoming powerful tools for both transforming cities and building international influence. These projects combine the country's traditional heritage with modern innovation to showcase Saudi identity, attract global investment, and strengthen the Kingdom's position on the world stage. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to create world-class urban spaces that honor cultural roots while embracing futuristic design.
The Kingdom is pursuing ambitious projects that range from preserving historical sites to building revolutionary new cities. Diriyah Gate focuses on restoring the birthplace of the Saudi state, while NEOM's The Line represents a radical experiment in sustainable living. These developments are redefining both Saudi cities and the country's global image by fusing tradition with cutting-edge architecture.
Cultural heritage plays a central role in many of these projects. Diriyah Gate, anchored by the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district, is restoring traditional Najdi architecture while adding museums, cultural institutes, and heritage-focused hotels. Similarly, Riyadh's New Murabba development follows Salmani architectural principles, a contemporary style rooted in Najdi heritage, and centers around the massive Mukaab structure, which will serve as the centerpiece of what's planned to be the world's largest downtown area.
Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba Development Company, described the ambitious scope of the Mukaab during a January address at the Real Estate Future Forum. "Pound for pound, I think the world's most complex structure ever created by man or woman in the history of time," he said. This massive structure represents the scale and ambition driving Saudi Arabia's urban transformation efforts.
Elias Abou Samra, CEO of Rafal Real Estate Development Company, explained the unique approach Saudi Arabia is taking compared to other developing economies. "Under Vision 2030, we have seen a unique approach to developing landmark projects compared to other emerging economies. Heritage and sustainability have been given priority over ultra-modern structures that do not relate to the local context," he told Arab News. He noted that most landmark projects in Riyadh pay homage to the city's Najdi heritage through contemporary vernacular design known as Salmani architecture.
The Salmani design philosophy extends far beyond just architectural appearance. "Salmani design goes way beyond the architectural character, addressing human scale urbanism, 15 minutes districts, regenerative architecture and sustainable material," Abou Samra explained. This approach ensures that new developments serve both cultural preservation and modern urban planning needs.
Beyond the capital city, cultural integration is shaping regional developments across the Kingdom. In AlUla, ancient Nabataean tombs and desert oases are being preserved alongside new arts and tourism facilities. The Rua Al-Madinah project in Madinah expands capacity around the Prophet's Mosque while maintaining the city's spiritual character. Meanwhile, Soudah Peaks in Asir is transforming mountain terrain into a luxury destination that celebrates local craftsmanship and regional heritage.
Alongside its cultural focus, Saudi Arabia is pursuing groundbreaking innovations in urban design. In Jeddah, the under-construction Jeddah Tower will serve as the anchor point for a 5 million-square-meter mixed-use development. "While media focuses on Jeddah Tower being the upcoming landmark in Jeddah, it is in fact the anchor of a large-scale mixed-use masterplan," Abou Samra explained, noting that the project would combine religious tourism with modern business and leisure facilities.
The NEOM project represents perhaps the most ambitious vision for Saudi Arabia's future. Abou Samra described NEOM as "Saudi Arabia's pitch to be at the epicenter of the new Middle East and beyond. It is set to become the hub connecting east and west in a new world order." With a 50-year development timeline, the megacity aims to revolutionize industries from technology to sustainability.
These massive projects are already producing significant economic results. Abou Samra noted that several Vision 2030 real estate ventures are reaching critical mass, marking "a turning point in terms of the Kingdom's attractiveness to foreign investment." He pointed to foreign direct investment figures related to real estate, which showed year-over-year growth of 12 percent and 15 percent respectively over 2023 and 2024. These foreign investments serve as catalysts for cultural integration, tourism, and entrepreneurship while strengthening international relationships.
Haider Abduljabbar, executive director at Dubai-based TownX, highlighted AlUla as a prime example of how cultural preservation can drive economic growth. "The key is to preserve the essence of traditional architecture and cultural elements while introducing modern solutions," he told Arab News. He emphasized that careful use of local materials and sustainable technologies allows projects to remain authentic while meeting contemporary needs.
Abduljabbar pointed to several successful examples of this approach, including the Ithra cultural center in Dhahran and the Red Sea Project. He compared these initiatives to Dubai's famous Burj Khalifa and Al-Wasl Dome in terms of their global impact. "These projects are not merely about state-of-the-art facilities but are firmly rooted in the Kingdom's cultural transformation under Vision 2030," he said. The architectural design of Ithra, for example, draws from traditional Arab forms while using cutting-edge technologies to engage the global cultural community.
These developments are having a broader impact on the Gulf region's international image. "They shape the identity of the cities and by extension, the broader Gulf, as places that are both rooted in history yet open to global trends, making them attractive for international collaborations, tourism, and investments," Abduljabbar explained. This transformation is positioning the Gulf region as a bridge between traditional culture and modern innovation.
The geopolitical significance of these projects extends far beyond their architectural achievements. "They serve as dynamic platforms for international collaboration, enabling Gulf countries to host global events, attract strategic partnerships, and showcase advancements in fields such as sustainability and architecture," Abduljabbar noted. These developments create opportunities for diplomatic engagement and international cooperation.
Abduljabbar concluded that the impact of these projects reaches far beyond their physical structures and aesthetic appeal. "Beyond their architectural grandeur, these projects create lasting impressions that resonate with both global leaders and international audiences, fostering deeper diplomatic relationships and enhancing the Gulf's influence in shaping global trends," he said. Through this combination of cultural preservation, innovative design, and economic development, Saudi Arabia is successfully using architecture and urban planning as tools of soft power to enhance its international standing and influence.
