المملكة: 6 urban areas that reshape Mecca… without prejudice to the historical identity

The Royal Commission for the Holy City of Mecca and the Holy Sites issued for urban development areas, aiming to classify six homogeneous areas to preserve cultural and historical identity, and improve the quality of life in the Holy Capital.

The authority explained that the guide is based on defining areas based on precise criteria that include Population densities, urban patterns, and land uses, taking into account the mountainous topography and unique landscapes that characterize each spatial sector.

The planning details showed the division of the Holy Capital into six main development areas, which included the old urban areas before 1973, and the mountainous urban areas, along with the valley, flat, logistical and industrial areas, all the way to the educational and administrative areas.

The guide document confirmed that the scope of The application covers the direct geographic area To the Royal Commission for the Holy City of Mecca and the Holy Sites, explicitly excluding the development of planning guidelines for the Holy Sites region and the central region, as they are subject to independent regulations and visions.

The authority pointed out the adoption of a humane planning approach that gives priority to pedestrian comfort, by focusing on five technical standards that include architecture, public spaces, entrance gates, street facilities, and landscaping and landscaping systems compatible with the human scale.

The report touched on the vision for each region, as mountainous areas were allocated a modern, traditional style that merges with the sloping topography with medium density, while the valleys were made a green spine that opens its urban borders towards water paths. It provides stunning natural views.

The guide indicated that flat urban areas were directed to be quiet environmental communities relying on the network structure and green centers, while the logistical and industrial areas were directed to link production processes with innovation by adopting smart and sustainable infrastructure that provides flexible production spaces.

With regard to old urban areas, the guide stressed the preservation of historical architecture and the strengthening of networks of public spaces and small stores that reflect authentic traditions, proposing at the same time linking educational and administrative areas with smart transportation networks and flexible spaces that support joint cooperation.

The implementation strategy revealed the adoption of a gradual implementation path, which begins by making the new development framework a reference system to guide planning and coordinate initiatives between the departments of the Royal Commission and the Secretariat of the Holy Capital to ensure the security of strategic spaces and axes.

/>He stressed the application of comprehensive standards to all new development areas from their early stages, while directing improvement projects in existing and previously developed areas towards upgrading open space networks, street facilities, and landscaping systems to enhance urban integration.