Riyadh has launched its first comprehensive master plan to coordinate all infrastructure projects across the Saudi capital in 2025, aimed at reducing congestion and optimising development efficiency.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives and aims to maintain Riyadh's position as a global economic hub while ensuring sustainable urban development. The initiative comes as Riyadh experiences unprecedented growth, with infrastructure work permits tripling from 50,000 in 2017 to over 150,000 in 2024. The city's population now exceeds 7mn, following a 2,000% expansion in land area over five decades.

The announcement was made during a presentation of the city's detailed infrastructure roadmap where Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh and Chairman of the Infrastructure Projects Centre, described it as "a transformative milestone" for the city.

The Infrastructure Projects Centre has reviewed 837 project plans and restructured 1,737 project phases, while automating more than 66,000 pre-coordinated permits for 2025.

"These figures underscore the city's accelerated urban and economic expansion," said Eng. Fahad Al-Badah, chief executive officer of the Infrastructure Projects Centre.

A 36-member task force representing key service entities will oversee the implementation, supported by 72 officials designated to address challenges during project execution.

The master plan forms part of broader efforts by the Infrastructure Projects Centre, established through a Cabinet decision in July 2023, to enhance project efficiency and improve coordination among stakeholders.