Architecture Characters Map: 19 Styles Celebrate Saudi Architectural Heritage
The Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, has launched the Saudi Architecture Characters Map, featuring 19 architectural styles, inspired by the geographic and cultural characteristics of the Kingdom, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Saudi Architecture Characters Map is a new initiative to celebrate the Kingdom’s architectural heritage, enhance the quality of life and enrich Saudi cities’ urban landscapes, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Sustainable Urban Planning
The Saudi Crown Prince, as Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Saudi Architectural Design Guidelines, said that the Saudi Architecture reflects the Kingdom’s geographical and cultural diversity. He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop sustainable urban cities that harmonize with the local environment, while integrating traditional architecture into modern design.
“The Saudi Architecture blends our rich heritage with contemporary design thinking. We are enhancing urban landscapes and quality of life as well as building an architectural framework that balances the past and the present. This model will serve as a global source of inspiration for innovation in architectural design,” the Saudi Crown Prince said.
Supporting Economic Growth
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pointed to the economic benefits of the Saudi Architecture. “Saudi Architecture will indirectly contribute to economic growth by making our cities more attractive to visitors and tourists, which will stimulate sectors such as tourism, hospitality and construction. It also envisions a future where our cities and communities thrive,” he said.
The Saudi Architecture aims to promote the Kingdom’s architectural diversity, improve urban landscapes in Saudi cities, and empower local talent. Its contribution to Saudi Arabia’s cumulative GDP is expected to exceed SAR 8 billion by 2030. It will also provide more than 34,000 direct and indirect jobs in the engineering, construction and urban development sectors during the same period.
Implementation Process
The Saudi Architecture uses flexible guidelines that allow for local building materials without imposing additional financial burdens on owners or developers. Each of the 19 architectural styles offers three design typologies: traditional, transitional and contemporary. This encourages creative expression while preserving the authenticity of local architecture.
To celebrate Saudi Arabia’s architectural heritage, enhance quality of life, and enrich the urban landscape, HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched #SaudiArchitecture–featuring 19 architectural styles inspired by the Kingdom’s diverse geography and culture pic.twitter.com/Z6ytieyldR
— Saudi Architecture | العِمَارة السعودية (@architsaudi) March 16, 2025
The implementation process will take place in phases, with the first phase starting in Al-Ahsa, Taif, Makkah and Abha. The initial applications will target major projects and government buildings, in addition to commercial structures.
Architectural Styles
The Saudi Architecture Characters Map includes 19 architectural styles that take inspiration from the Kingdom’s geographical, natural and cultural characteristics. Each style is based on urban and historical studies of building traditions passed down through generations.
These include architectural styles such as Central Najdi, Northern Najdi, Tabuk Coast, Madinah Rural, Inner Madinah, Hejazi Coast, Taif Highlands, Sarawat Mountains, Aseer Escarpment, Tuhama Foothills, Tuhama Coast, Farasan Islands, Abha Highlands, Bisha Desert, Najran, Al-Ahsa Oasis, Al Qatif Oasis, East Coast and Eastern Najdi.
The implementation of the Saudi Architecture is supported by partnerships between government entities, engineering firms and real estate developers. In the light of this, architectural design studios will provide engineers and designers with the necessary support to ensure the highest standards of quality and sustainability. This includes engineering guidelines and training workshops to develop the skills of local talents.
