HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has officially launched the Saudi Architecture Characters Map, featuring 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by the kingdom’s diverse geographical and cultural characteristics.

Saudi Architecture aims to enrich the urban architectural diversity of the kingdom, elevate urban landscape in cities and empower local talent.  By 2030, it is expected to contribute over SAR8 billion ($2.1 billion) to the kingdom’s cumulative GDP and create over 34,000 job opportunities.

Designed with flexibility in mind, Saudi Architecture provides developers with guidelines that allow for modern building materials without imposing additional financial burdens. Each of the 19 architectural styles offers three design typographies – traditional, transitional and contemporary – encouraging creative expression while preserving the authenticity of local architecture.

According to senior officials, Saudi Architecture will be implemented in a phased manner. The first phase will focus on Al Ahsa, Taif, Makkah and Abha, where initial applications will target major projects, government buildings and commercial structures.

These styles include 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.