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Sustainable Urban Renewal: Planning Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Riyadh

Author

Listed:
  • Silvia Mazzetto

    (Sustainable Architecture Laboratory, Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Design, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 12435, Saudi Arabia)

  • Raffaello Furlan

    (Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar)

  • Reem Awwaad

    (Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar)

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and car dependency have transformed Riyadh into a sprawling metropolis, straining mobility, sustainability, and land use efficiency. Investments in metro and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems present an opportunity to shift toward transit-oriented development (TOD), making strategic urban planning essential. This study assesses Riyadh’s TOD potential by analyzing its urban structure, transport accessibility, and regulatory framework while drawing lessons from successful global models. This study applies GIS-based spatial analysis, policy review, and AI-driven clustering techniques (e.g., DBSCAN, K-Means) to evaluate TOD readiness and inform actionable strategies for Riyadh. The findings indicate that transit investments alone are insufficient due to gaps in zoning policies, pedestrian connectivity, and urban density. Enhancing compact, mixed-use developments, improving first- and last-mile accessibility, and leveraging AI-driven planning can reshape the city’s mobility ecosystem and foster sustainable urban growth. Vision 2030 provides a pivotal opportunity to align infrastructure investments with urban planning policies, ensuring Riyadh evolves into a modern, efficient, and transit-friendly city.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvia Mazzetto & Raffaello Furlan & Reem Awwaad, 2025. "Sustainable Urban Renewal: Planning Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Riyadh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-37, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4310-:d:1652472
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wang, Jiaoe & Tan, Wenwei & Huang, Jie, 2024. "Extending TOD through the interrelationship between transport and land use: A case study of Beijing," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    2. Khalid Mohammed Almatar, 2022. "Transit-Oriented Development in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh as a Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-10, December.
    3. Silvia Mazzetto, 2022. "Sustainable Heritage Preservation to Improve the Tourism Offer in Saudi Arabia," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(4), pages 195-207.
    4. Diao, Mi, 2019. "Towards sustainable urban transport in Singapore: Policy instruments and mobility trends," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 320-330.
    5. Zaher Youssef & Habib Alshuwaikhat & Imran Reza, 2021. "Modeling the Modal Shift towards a More Sustainable Transport by Stated Preference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-19, January.
    6. Rasha A. Moussa, 2023. "A Responsive Approach for Designing Shared Urban Spaces in Tourist Villages," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-27, May.
    7. Mooza Al-Mohannadi & Reem Awwaad & Raffaello Furlan & Michael Grosvald & Rashid Al-Matwi & Rima J. Isaifan, 2023. "Sustainable Status Assessment of the Transit-Oriented Development in Doha’s Education City," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-20, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Silvia Mazzetto & Raffaello Furlan & Jalal Hoblos, 2025. "Transit-Oriented Development and Urban Livability in Gulf Cities: Comparative Analysis of Doha’s West Bay and Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-47, September.

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