Saudi Arabia has opened submissions for the second cycle of the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Award, inviting architects, planners and urban specialists to present projects that reflect the kingdom’s evolving design ethos. Entries will be accepted until March 31, according to the Architecture and Design Commission, which oversees the initiative under the Ministry of Culture.Launched in Riyadh, the award aims to embed the principles of the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism into the built environment, encouraging developments that enhance urban quality and contribute to improved standards of living. Organisers say the competition is open to professionals and entities able to nominate projects that meet the published criteria, spanning architectural excellence, contextual sensitivity and sustainability.
At its core, the charter draws inspiration from the vision of King Salman, emphasising harmony between tradition and modernity, respect for local identity and the creation of liveable, human-centred cities. The award’s second edition arrives as Saudi Arabia continues a broad transformation of its urban landscape under Vision 2030, with major investments in housing, infrastructure, cultural institutions and tourism.
Officials have positioned the prize as more than a design competition. It is framed as a mechanism to codify architectural values at a time when large-scale developments are reshaping skylines from Riyadh to Jeddah and beyond. By highlighting projects that successfully interpret the charter’s principles, the commission intends to set benchmarks for future construction and urban regeneration schemes.
Urban development across the kingdom has accelerated over the past decade, driven by demographic growth and diversification efforts. Government-backed megaprojects such as NEOM, Diriyah Gate and the Red Sea development have drawn global attention, while municipalities have advanced programmes to upgrade public spaces, expand transport networks and increase green areas. Analysts note that this rapid expansion brings both opportunity and risk, including concerns about environmental impact, heritage preservation and social cohesion.
Against that backdrop, the award seeks to reinforce standards that integrate environmental sustainability, cultural continuity and community wellbeing. Organisers have underscored the importance of designs that respond to climate conditions, promote walkability and incorporate local materials and forms. Projects that demonstrate measurable contributions to quality of life, such as improved public amenities or accessible community facilities, are expected to feature prominently.
Architects and urban planners observing the region’s development say formalising such criteria can help align public and private investment with broader social objectives. Many Gulf cities have faced criticism for car-centric layouts and limited public realm activation. Embedding charter principles into recognition frameworks could encourage more climate-responsive and inclusive urban strategies, particularly as Saudi Arabia contends with high temperatures and water scarcity.
Participation rules allow professionals, firms and other eligible groups to nominate completed projects they deem exemplary. Evaluation panels are expected to assess submissions against clearly defined benchmarks, including design integrity, innovation and adherence to the charter’s values. While the commission has not disclosed prize amounts in detail, past cycles have offered both recognition and visibility, factors that industry observers say can significantly enhance a project’s profile.
Cultural policy has become a central pillar of the kingdom’s reform agenda, with architecture and design increasingly framed as expressions of national identity. The Ministry of Culture has established sector-specific commissions covering film, fashion, literature and heritage, alongside architecture and design. These bodies have introduced training programmes, exhibitions and international partnerships aimed at nurturing local talent and elevating standards.
Urbanism specialists note that awards alone cannot resolve structural challenges such as housing affordability or transport integration. However, they argue that recognition schemes can influence professional practice by spotlighting best examples and encouraging replication of successful models. In a country where public-sector projects play a significant role in shaping cities, institutional endorsement carries weight.
Topics
Saudi Arabia