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Riyadh has been endowed with a strong infrastructure that promises an exciting future –
international eminence, competent national administration, a vigorous economy, dynamic
modern architecture, efficient public utilities and a responsive service sector. These are
all continually expanded and upgraded, regenerating natural resources, and building on a
successful development history. All urban and economic indicators point clearly towards a
promising, if challenging, future.
However, the most important ingredient of the city’s future growth lies in its inhabitants,
the future generation. Young people account for more than half of the population. They thus
represent half of the current city and the entirety of its future. Riyadh pins its hopes on its
youth, and it is for their sake that the city plans its future and continues to develop its various
urban sectors. It provides them with security and a fulfilling life and trains them in positive
attitudes and constructive leadership.
Strategic plans have been laid down to direct the city’s construction, economic and
social sectors, public utilities, service facilities and natural environment towards a future
vision, ensuring that Riyadh is fit to be the capital of the Kingdom that hosts the Two
Holy Mosques, and a leading international centre for political, cultural and historical
functions. Moreover, it should continue to be a city that responds to worthy
human aspirations and comfortable living requirements. These are reflected in an
atmosphere that ensures priority to humans, guarantees the security and safety
of residents, strengthens the social bonds and encourages the ties of solidarity
among residents. Riyadhaspires toremaina leadingcity ineducational andhealth
services,afocusofknowledge,assumingaleadingroleinresearchandtechnologies;
to be a beautiful city with distinctive built environment that is appropriate to
the city’s social and cultural life and realistically reflects a special architectural
identity and a centre for Islamic culture and arts. It alsowill stand as a vigorous
financial and business competitive global centre complementing its political
and economic role at both national and regional domains; a contemporary
oasispreserving itsnaturalworld, rationalizing its resources, andinvesting
in technology and urban planning for a sustainable environment.
The development programmes covering all aspects in Riyadh are
designed and intended to shape the city into its future outlook. The
results are encouraging and many key goals have been achieved
already, promising a bright prospect for the future.
PROMISING FUTURE