The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has lifted the suspension on land use in western Riyadh, freeing up an area of 33.24 square kilometers for development, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
With the suspension now removed, landowners can sell, purchase, subdivide, plan, and apply for building permits in the area.
The RCRC said that the Wadi Hanifa Urban Code will apply to the reopened areas. This framework is designed to maintain harmony between urban development and the region’s natural landscape while ensuring sustainable growth.
Officials explained that lifting the ban is part of a broader effort to reshape Riyadh’s city map and create a “distinctive urban model” that aligns with the city’s long-term development vision.
The initiative also aims to improve community accessibility, enhance infrastructure, and provide residents with a wider range of essential services. By tailoring design standards to residents’ needs, the new urban code seeks to raise the overall quality of life and promote environmentally responsible construction.
According to the RCRC, this step supports Riyadh’s ongoing transformation into a modern, sustainable, and globally competitive metropolis under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework.
