Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Over the past decade — and especially since the launch of Vision 2030 — Saudi Arabia has undergone a transformation that is reshaping daily life across its cities.
From safety and infrastructure to housing, technology, and public spaces, the Kingdom has steadily built an environment that appeals not only to citizens, but also to expatriates and long-term residents.
According to a recent report titled Cities of Possibility: The Evolution of Quality of Life in Saudi Arabia, here are some reasons why Saudi Arabia is increasingly becoming a place people choose to call home.
Safety is often the first consideration when choosing where to live especially for families. In Saudi Arabia, 93% of residents say they feel safe walking alone at night, well above the global average of 71%.
Emergency response systems are highly efficient: emergency calls are answered in about two seconds, with assistance dispatched in under a minute.
Mobile police stations and centralized command centers ensure rapid, coordinated responses across cities.
Cybersecurity is also a national priority. Saudi Arabia ranks among the top countries globally on the UN Global Cybersecurity Index, supported by a growing ecosystem of specialists and public awareness campaigns that promote digital safety for both adults and children.
Clean, organized neighborhoods are becoming the norm. Residents rate housing quality highly, while neighborhood safety and livability continue to improve.
Major projects such as Green Riyadh, New Murabba, and Sports Boulevard are reshaping urban life by integrating parks, pedestrian-friendly areas, and community spaces into city design making daily life more comfortable and family-oriented.
Efficient transport is essential for modern living. Saudi Arabia’s airports handled 128 million passengers in 2024, while the national road network extends more than 200,000 kilometers.
In Riyadh, the metro system spans 176 kilometers with 85 stations, and the city’s bus network recorded millions of rides within its first year.
Smart traffic systems, electric vehicles, and autonomous transport solutions are steadily improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Environmental quality is now central to urban planning. The Kingdom has already planted 115 million trees, rehabilitated vast areas of land, and reintroduced thousands of endangered animals.
Projects like Green Riyadh aim to add millions more trees by 2030, while renewable energy capacity continues to expand. Protected land and marine areas are growing, contributing to cleaner air, greener cities, and healthier surroundings for future generations.
Housing programs have delivered tens of thousands of residential units, designed around schools, parks, healthcare, and retail services.
These developments emphasize affordability, safety, and community living factors that consistently rank among residents’ top priorities.
Public spaces are increasingly central to Saudi cities. Waterfront corniches in Jeddah and Al Khobar offer walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and family areas, while city parks and plazas are becoming more accessible and better maintained.
Residents rate public spaces highly for cleanliness and accessibility, reflecting visible improvements in everyday urban life.
Technology is playing a growing role in quality of life. AI-powered traffic systems reduce congestion, smart surveillance enhances public safety, and digital government services simplify daily tasks.
Investments in cybersecurity and digital infrastructure provide reassurance to families and businesses alike, helping protect personal data and essential services.
Saudi Arabia now offers a diverse range of lifestyles. Riyadh stands out as an economic and innovation hub, Jeddah blends coastal living with cultural energy, Al Khobar offers education and business opportunities, Madinah balances tradition with modern services, and Abha provides a cooler, mountain-based lifestyle.
Expat satisfaction remains high, with many citing improved career opportunities, safety, and infrastructure compared to their home countries.
Taken together, these changes reflect a broader shift: Saudi Arabia is no longer focused only on growth, but on how people live. For many residents the Kingdom is becoming a place not just to work or visit, but to build a future.
