Assessing urban sustainability in Saudi Arabia: an empirical evidence from Al-Medina Al-Munawwarah

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to assess the progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia. The study also examines challenges that encounter SDG 11. To this end, six targets consisting of 40 indicators of SDG 11 have been adopted, relying on literature, international and national technical reports, and the personal perspectives of twelve experts. Overall progress towards SDG 11 has shown significant improvement considerably, with a middle level, particularly after Saudi Vision 2030 was approved. The findings show that three targets including affordable housing, sustainable transportation, and sustainable urbanization, have achieved average progress, and two targets, including air quality, and waste management, and access to green areas have been demonstrated low progress, as well as a single target, which is the preservation and protection of natural and cultural heritage, which has achieved optimal progress. The results highlight several challenges that hinder progress towards SDG 11, but the level of these challenges varies from one target to another target, ranging from moderate to major challenges. These challenges should be considered in continuing urban strategies and could be reduced by establishing resource-saving and innovative community urban renewal programs.