‘Saudi Architecture Characters Map’ Boosts City Appeal for Investment

Image of buildings in the “Najdi Architecture” style (Eastern Province Development Authority)
Image of buildings in the “Najdi Architecture” style (Eastern Province Development Authority)
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‘Saudi Architecture Characters Map’ Boosts City Appeal for Investment

Image of buildings in the “Najdi Architecture” style (Eastern Province Development Authority)
Image of buildings in the “Najdi Architecture” style (Eastern Province Development Authority)

Economic and architectural experts have described Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s launch of the “Saudi Architecture Characters Map” as a strategic shift, transforming architecture into an economic asset for investment.

In statements to Asharq Al-Awsat, they emphasized that the initiative will enhance Saudi Arabia's competitive edge in the tourism and cultural real estate development sectors.

Additionally, it is expected to boost the sustainability of the tourism economy and stimulate the manufacturing industries, from local stone production to carpentry, traditional carvings, and decorative arts.

The move could also lead to the creation of specialized companies focused on reviving traditional crafts, gradually transforming them into export industries.

Featuring 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by the Kingdom’s diverse geographical and cultural characteristics, the initiative is expected to contribute over 8 billion riyals ($2.13 billion) to the cumulative GDP and create more than 34,000 jobs in engineering, construction, and urban development sectors by 2030.

This move is part of a broader effort to transform and develop Saudi cities.

As Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Saudi Architectural Design Guidelines, the Crown Prince said that Saudi architecture reflects the cultural and geographical diversity of the Kingdom.

“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,” he said.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Qahtani, an economics professor at King Faisal University, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the launch of the Map by the Crown Prince is more than just a cultural or architectural announcement.

It represents a move with deep economic implications that redefines the investment and real estate landscape in Saudi Arabia, in line with a developmental vision that transcends traditional urban growth.

He emphasized that “the architectural identity of any country is one of the pillars of soft power, and when this identity becomes a standard for developmental projects, we are witnessing a strategic shift. Architecture becomes an economic asset to be invested in, extending beyond just aesthetic value.”

Al-Qahtani added that the unification of architectural identity means both local and international investors will reassess their plans in light of new requirements that demand higher quality, thereby increasing real estate market value and attracting capital seeking authentic and sustainable projects.

 



US Economy Shrinks 0.3% in 1st Quarter as Trump Says 'Be Patient'

President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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US Economy Shrinks 0.3% in 1st Quarter as Trump Says 'Be Patient'

President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Americans should be patient in the face of a first quarter economic contraction, arguing that his tariffs would eventually lead to a boom in the US economy.

The economy shrank 0.3% from January through March, first drop in three years. It was slowed by a surge in imports as companies in the United States tried to bring in foreign goods before Trump imposed massive tariffs.
The January-March expansion was the slowest in almost three years and was down from 2.4% in the last three months of 2024. Imports shaved 5 percentage points off first-quarter growth. Consumer spending also slowed sharply.
Trump inherited a solid economy that had grown steadily despite high interest rates imposed by the Federal Reserve to fight inflation. His trade policies — including 145% tariffs on China — have paralyzed businesses and threatened to raise prices and hurt consumers.

Republican Trump blamed his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, for the poor showing.

"This is Biden’s Stock Market, not Trump’s," he said. "Our Country will boom, but we have to get rid of the Biden 'Overhang.'

Trump added: "This will take a while, has NOTHING TO DO WITH TARIFFS, only that he left us with bad numbers, but when the boom begins, it will be like no other. BE PATIENT!!!"