Assessing Public Service Distribution in Abha and Bisha Cities, Saudi Arabia: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The research below aims to examine the spatial distribution and efficiency of public services in Abha and Bisha. Abha is the capital of the Asir region and had a population of 446,697 people in 2022, while Bisha had a population of 248,452 people in the same year. Both cities have their unique geographical features, such as valleys, dams, and agricultural significance. This study utilizes spatial modeling and statistical analysis to analyze data collected via a questionnaire administered to the residents of these cities and formulates several hypotheses to guide the research, including hypotheses related to differences in public services based on gender, age group, and citizenship status. To analyze the data, a combination of analytical descriptive approaches, including statistical methods conducted with SPSS software and geographic information system (GIS) techniques using ArcGIS software were employed. The results of the study indicate the distribution and level of public services in Abha and Bisha. In Abha, there is a high level of public services, particularly in green areas, which contribute to improving the quality of services and meeting the entertainment needs of the population. In contrast, Bisha has a middling level of public services, likely due to its smaller population size and lesser focus on development as compared to Abha. The study also analyzes the differences in attitudes towards public services based on gender. The results indicate that there are no statistically significant differences between males and females in their perceptions of public services in both cities.