The Impacts of Sustainable Development Initiatives on Al-Balad: A Study of Community Perspectives

Abstract

The historic area of Al-Balad, Jeddah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the subject of this dissertation's analysis of the effects of sustainable development projects. With an emphasis on the opinions of the local community, which includes mainly the local residents, the study intends to investigate the sociocultural, economic, and environmental implications of these activities. Urbanization and socioeconomic changes make it difficult for Al-Balad, a city renowned for its rich cultural legacy, to strike a balance between modernity and historical preservation. With the help of Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia, regulations have been put in place to protect cultural identity while fostering economic expansion, especially in the areas of sustainable tourism and infrastructure development. The study uses structured questionnaires to collect quantitative data from a sample of the local community, adhering to a positivist research ethic. The results show that opinions on sustainable development programs are not uniformly held. While many members of the community acknowledge the advantages of sustainable development for the environment and the economy, others have reservations about social justice, gentrification, and cultural preservation. The study emphasizes the necessity of focused policy interventions that harmonize growth with local values and the preservation of cultural resources. In order to ensure that sustainable development initiatives not only contribute to economic growth but also protect cultural heritage and improve the quality of life for Al-Balad's residents, the dissertation concludes with recommendations for improving community engagement and inclusive decision-making.