In the global arena of development, Saudi Arabia is charting an unprecedented course. According to one estimate, more than US$1.25 trillion of property and infrastructure projects have been launched since Vision 2030 was announced in 2016. This blueprint for a future of sustainable growth amounts to a complete infrastructural overhaul that is reshaping the kingdom’s built environment.

But while its standalone megaprojects capture the world’s attention, look more closely and you see how these headline-grabbing developments are part of a much bigger, and well-thought-out series of projects. This plan is designed to showcase the country’s unique offerings – from its natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage, and takes into account everything from the big picture to the micro details. 

Here are some of the considerations that planners are factoring into their calculations for infrastructure and development. 

Varied offerings

The first thing to note about the kingdom’s potential as a tourism destination is that the country is geographically vast and varied. Take, for example, the Soudah Peaks, located in the Asir Region, which sit 3,000 metres above sea level. Here, visitors can find alpine environments complete with juniper forests and ancient dry-stone settlements. 

Such natural diversity is a key asset in Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy, which aims to attract 150 million arrivals by 2030. Crucially, this includes offerings that also cater to its homegrown market. Domestic tourism has long been a part of Saudi culture, with residents traveling to regions with more temperate climates or coastal areas for leisure. Initiatives are therefore designed to enhance these experiences while also establishing Saudi Arabia as a premier international tourism destination. 

Red Sea Global and Amaala are prime examples of this dual approach. These projects aim to showcase the kingdom’s stunning marine biology and pristine coastlines, developing them in a way that preserves their natural beauty while providing world-class tourism facilities. 

AlUla is another development that stands out, offering a tourism experience built upon its rich Nabatean and more ancient history. Over the past four years, AtkinsRéalis has been providing programme management, advisory and master planning services that support the Royal Commission for AlUla with delivering a sustainable transformation of the region as a leading global destination for cultural and natural heritage.

Urban development is also a critical component of this evolution. Iconic projects like The Mukaab – a 400-metre tall cube-shaped skyscraper in Riyadh’s New Murabba development – designed and planned by AtkinsRéalis - are set to become global landmarks. But crucially, they are designed alongside investments in infrastructure such as the new King Salman International Airport, making them catalysts for increased economic activity as well as tourism footfall.

The bigger picture

It’s important to note that this transformation goes way beyond new, standalone developments. This includes leveraging existing infrastructure in cities to drive urban transformation and future models of living for the kingdom. Riyadh, for instance, is undergoing a city-wide reinvention set to provide jobs, sports facilities, educational institutions, alongside tourism and economic anchors. These programmes are designed to enhance the quality of life for the next generations of Saudis, while positioning the kingdom as an attractive and competitive employment destination for the international workforce.

This holistic approach encompasses everything from city and regional planning to technical design for public realm and infrastructure. The work that planners and developers, including AtkinsRéalis, are doing must consider everything from grand designs right down to the end-user experience at street level. The goal is to ensure that the outcome is functional and also enriches the daily lives of those who visit or call these places home.

For instance, our landscape teams are driving conversations around biodiversity, materiality, and water efficiency to ensure that developments are sensitive to their unique environments. One small example of this thinking is our reimagining of stormwater management by integrating wadis into community spaces, transforming them into public realms that enhance community engagement. Additionally, built projects incorporate local culture, such as the Riyadh art scene, into these spaces, showcasing homegrown talent and creating culturally rich environments.

Details matter

Planners must also focus on more prosaic details to ensure success. Most obviously, the scale and speed of construction present unique challenges. Unlike typical projects, these developments have city-wide impacts and require close coordination with city authorities to ensure that infrastructure, such as public transportation, power and water aligns with project timelines. The procurement and supply chain complexities, especially for materials for everything from steel and concrete to mature trees needed for landscaping, must also be managed effectively. 

These developments are also being designed with resilience in mind. Artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies are critical in this regard. For instance, we developed a City Simulator tool that performs climate-based scenario modelling to test infrastructure resilience. AI’s potential also extends to financial analysis and decision-making. By integrating with clients’ financial models, AI can optimize the rollout of infrastructure, technology choices, and the balance between capital expenditures and operational costs. 

These detail-focussed examples underscore the fact that Saudi’s mega projects are part of a larger, well-thought-out ecosystem. The true intelligence of any smart development lies in its foundational planning, with high-tech solutions that are often behind the scenes, ensuring that the end result feels natural and seamless. 

The goal from all this planning is to create environments that are authentic and vibrant, capturing the essence of the local energy and spirit. There’s a palpable passion among young Saudis for the transformation of their country, which is driving the reinvention and modernisation of the kingdom. Saudi Arabia’s strategic infrastructural shift toward this goal is a testament to the power of visionary planning and the transformative potential of engineering and technology.