Riyadh Region Municipality participated in a panel session titled “Managing Urban Quality of Life in Rapidly Growing Cities” as part of the World Urban Forum WUF13, hosted by the city of Baku in the Republic of Azerbaijan from May 17 to 22, 2026. During the session, the Municipality showcased Riyadh’s experience in addressing rapid urban growth and developing data-driven planning models that improve quality of life at the neighborhood level.
During the session, Eng. Saleh Al-Saif, Assistant Undersecretary for Urban Planning at Riyadh Region Municipality, spoke about Riyadh’s experience in developing integrated urban solutions focused on improving access to daily services, strengthening neighborhood connectivity, enhancing the efficiency of urban infrastructure use, and relying on planning tools based on spatial analysis and urban data. Among the most prominent of these tools are the Urban Data Center and the Neighborhood Assessment Framework, which includes 148 indicators covering several areas, including public services, infrastructure, environment, and mobility. These tools contribute to supporting decision-making according to the needs of different neighborhoods.
He also reviewed the Municipality’s efforts in piloting the 15-minute city index and its applications in Riyadh, measuring residents’ access to essential services and improving the living experience within neighborhoods.
The session highlighted Al-Falah District in northern Riyadh as an applied model. The district was selected as a pilot residential neighborhood covering an area of 4 square kilometers and home to more than 38,000 residents, with a population density of 9,577 people per square kilometer.
The session also addressed the methodology adopted in the district through three phases: collecting data, analyzing the current situation, and identifying gaps; then developing preliminary designs and concepts; and finally preparing the final designs and implementation plans. These plans included strengthening connectivity with transport networks, developing flexible mobility routes, and preparing shading and afforestation plans.
It is worth noting that Riyadh Region Municipality is participating in the forum through a series of panel sessions and specialized engagements that showcase the capital’s experiences in planning and urban development, environmental sustainability, digital governance, and quality of life. The forum brings together city leaders, organizations, and experts from around the world. The Municipality’s participation aligns with its vision to be a leading municipality for a prosperous and sustainable Riyadh that enhances quality of life, and with its mission to advance Riyadh by promoting sustainable urban development, providing high-quality services, and building effective partnerships toward a vibrant society.