Sustainable Urban Planning and Liveability in Al Madinah Al Munawwara, Saudi Arabia: Assessing the Impact on Quality of Life

Abstract

This dissertation evaluates liveability and sustainability in Almadinah through a systems approach that links urban form, mobility, public space, environment, and governance to outcomes in daily life. The purpose is to translate strategy into delivery by building a practical indicator portfolio and a clear route from evidence to priorities, targets, responsibilities, and monitoring at neighbourhood and city scales.

The study uses a combination of primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through an online bilingual survey. The survey gathered perceptions on accessibility, comfort, shade, public space, cleanliness, safety, awareness of sustainability initiatives, and preparedness for environmental events. Secondary data included official government documents, planning reports, and academic sources that provided contextual information and supported the interpretation of the survey findings. The collected responses were analysed using descriptive statistical methods to identify key patterns and relationships reflecting liveability and sustainability within the city.

Findings indicate that accessibility, comfort, shade, cleanliness, and safety are the strongest influences on how residents and regular users perceive liveability in Almadinah. Survey responses show that satisfaction is highest with accessibility and safety, while the lowest ratings relate to shade availability and environmental comfort. Awareness of sustainability initiatives and preparedness for environmental risks were moderate, suggesting room for improvement in public communication and engagement. Secondary data from official planning and sustainability reports confirm these perceptions, highlighting the ongoing efforts toward improved mobility, public space enhancement, and environmental resilience under Vision 2030 programmes. Key strengths include strategic direction, ongoing infrastructure investments, and a growing focus on data driven planning. Gaps remain in the continuity of shaded pedestrian routes, consistency in neighbourhood level maintenance, and public awareness of sustainability and risk management. Priority actions include expanding shaded walkways, strengthening connectivity between neighbourhood centres, improving greenery and environmental comfort, and maintaining transparent data systems that support effective monitoring and decision making.

The dissertation provides an applied framework that combines resident perceptions with official planning evidence to assess and enhance liveability and sustainability in Almadinah. The approach is grounded in local context and demonstrates how integrating community feedback with government priorities can guide practical urban improvements. It supports implementable actions that city agencies can maintain over time to strengthen accessibility, comfort, environmental quality, and overall urban resilience.