Saudi Arabia's giga projects are not just about grand infrastructure; they’re about creating a world that can be experienced by all. To achieve this goal, these transformational urban projects are being designed to ensure accessibility and inclusion right from their planning stages, said Dr Talal Alharbi, an accessibility expert for giga projects.

At the Global Stratalogues inaugural roundtables on accessible design last month in Dubai, Dr Alharbi shared his thoughts on how these principles are reshaping the nation’s ambitious urban developments, particularly in anticipation of global events like the Expo 2030 and World Cup 2034. His insights highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment to inclusivity, the initiatives being taken to ensure everyone – including people of all ages and degrees of physical abilities – feels welcome and accommodated,  and the practical challenges in implementing its plans.

Dr Alharbi stressed the need to consider accessibility at the earliest planning stages, following a structured process through the Design Management Office (DMO), which guides the giga projects from the initial vision to detailed execution.

“We start to think about accessibility from the vision at high levels of management. We deal with the best consultants in the world, ensuring that accessibility is a primary consideration from the very beginning, allowing teams to integrate it seamlessly into the project and avoiding last-minute adjustments or compromises that often fall short of the intended inclusivity,” he stated.

This commitment to accessibility aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals under Vision 2030, which explicitly mandates enabling people with disabilities. Dr Alharbi noted that accessibility is no longer an option: “It’s not a choice anymore. I mean, it’s a very clear vision that enables people with disabilities.”

With events like the 2030 Expo and the 2034 World Cup on the horizon, Saudi Arabia is increasingly prioritising accessible infrastructure. He elaborated that the focus extends to the entire visitor experience, from when people leave their homes to when they return. The aim is for each guest, regardless of his or her ability, to easily navigate the country, promoting positive experiences and setting a high standard for accessibility in global tourism.

Dr Alharbi (second right) at the recent Global Stratalogues inaugural roundtable.

A challenge Dr Alharbi pointed to is the general shortage of qualified consultants in accessibility. “This is a new sector, and we really need more consultants, more experts, to be in this field,” he stressed.

This scarcity of expertise often results in a gap between intended accessibility and actual implementation. In response,  Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund (PIF) has taken steps to include individuals with disabilities in project teams, ensuring that accessibility needs are represented by those who benefit most from these accommodations. “We think including people with disabilities in the project from the early stage will help the designers and project managers think about accessibility. This will make the project managers and the designers think about this every time they see those employees around,” explained Dr Alharbi, a wheelchair user whose perspective provides crucial insights.

This approach adds valuable perspective, helping designers and managers develop spaces that serve everyone’s needs.

Reflecting on his personal experiences, Dr Alharbi also highlighted the cultural aspect of accessibility in Saudi Arabia. He pointed out that, traditionally, families might hesitate to be open about a disability, fearing that it could impact family reputation. “There is a cultural issue in this. I always say to people with disabilities you have to go out to the street to let others know what you are facing. People should accept those with disabilities in the community.”

In his view, awareness and visibility are vital to fostering understanding and acceptance within society which, in turn, encourages decision-makers to prioritise accessibility initiatives.

Dr Alharbi believes accessibility benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities. “Accessibility is for all. Now, if you go anywhere and find a smooth ramp and stairs, everyone goes to the ramp, not the stairs,” he noted.

These benefits extend beyond convenience, contributing to safer, more inclusive environments where people of all ages and abilities feel comfortable. This mindset aligns with his definition of accessibility, which he described as being able to participate fully and independently in society.

“The main issue of accessibility is inclusion,” Dr Alharbi said. “We make things accessible for the disabled to include them in the community. For a place to be accessible, I should be able to arrive, park, and enter without help.”

Saudi Arabia’s legislation is beginning to support these aims. Dr Alharbi noted that the Saudi Building Code now mandates accessibility, with stricter enforcement anticipated in the coming years. “In Saudi Arabia, it’s now mandated by law that new buildings must be accessible. There are issues in implementation, but we’re progressing,” he said.

However, enforcement remains a challenge, as some supervisors overseeing projects may lack the necessary background in accessibility requirements, resulting in partial or incorrect implementations. The PIF addresses these challenges by setting its own standards and collaborating with the municipality to ensure compliance in public and private developments.

Drawing from international best practices, Dr Alharbi sees value in adopting models from other countries to enforce compliance and ensure quality. “We can discuss the Australian model for accessibility and raise it to the ministry,” he suggested, referencing Australia’s independent accessibility certification process. By exploring successful global models, he believes that Saudi Arabia can develop its own framework for regulatory compliance that encourages accountability throughout the design and construction process.

Despite the challenges, Dr Alharbi is optimistic about Saudi Arabia’s progress in accessibility. He reflected on his journey, from living independently in the UK, where accessible infrastructure was readily available, to returning to Saudi Arabia and experiencing new obstacles.

He observes a significant shift in the last decade, particularly in major cities like Riyadh, where new public spaces and infrastructure increasingly prioritise accessibility. The Riyadh Metro, for instance, incorporates features that make it easier for all users to navigate the city. “When I came back from the UK in 2011, I started to feel I am disabled,” he recalled. “But now things are different, and we can see much improvement.”

Saudi Arabia’s ambition is to build an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone. For Dr Alharbi, the goal is compliance and creating a society where accessibility and inclusion are standard, seamless aspects of everyday life.

In his view, accessibility is not just about laws or ramps; it’s about independence, inclusion, and being a full part of society. Through thoughtful planning, cultural awareness, and legal support, Dr Alharbi and his colleagues at the PIF are setting a strong foundation for a more inclusive Saudi Arabia.