The Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, has unveiled the Saudi Architecture Characters Map, a new program that celebrates the Kingdom’s rich architectural heritage, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The initiative involves 19 architectural styles, inspired by the geographic and cultural characteristics of Saudi Arabia. It aims to rise the quality of life and enrich the urban landscapes of the Kingdom’s cities, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The architectural styles included in the map offer three design typologies: traditional, transitional and contemporary, promoting creative expression while preserving the authenticity of local architecture.
The Saudi Architecture Characters Map is a multi-phased initiative. The first phase will take place in Al-Ahsa, Taif, Makkah and Abha, focusing on major projects, government buildings as well as commercial structures.
To celebrate Saudi Arabia’s architectural heritage, enhance quality of life, and enrich the urban landscape, HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched #SaudiArchitecture–featuring 19 architectural styles inspired by the Kingdom’s diverse geography and culture pic.twitter.com/Z6ytieyldR
— Saudi Architecture | العِمَارة السعودية (@architsaudi) March 16, 2025
Each of the 19 architectural styles is inspired by Saudi Arabia’s geographical, natural and cultural characteristics, and is based on urban and historical studies of building traditions passed down through generations.
These 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.
On this occasion, the Saudi Crown Prince, and the Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Saudi Architectural Design Guidelines, said: “The Saudi Architecture blends our rich heritage with contemporary design thinking. We are enhancing urban landscapes and quality of life as well as building an architectural framework that balances the past and the present. This model will serve as a global source of inspiration for innovation in architectural design.”
