Arab News

AlUla: Applications for building permits and commercial activities in AlUla South will open on March 15, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) announced.

The RCU released details of the first phase of the urban development program for AlUla South, which will be the first step in driving sustainable urban development in the area, in line with the vision of AlUla.

The project highlights the RCU’s commitment to serving the local communities of AlUla through a series of community-based programs and initiatives, all of which will prioritize and drive human development.

The first phase is being rolled out in line with the 12 strategic principles announced in the AlUla Charter, which place citizens and residents of AlUla at the center of the RCU’s urban development plans.

Under the supervision of the RCU’s planning team, a new design studio has been established to help architects adopt these new guidelines, while providing expert advice on sustainable urban development.

The first phase of building permits will include parts of Al-Azizia and Al-Salam neighborhoods in AlUla South. Landowners in the area will be allowed to build residential or commercial properties.

“Opening permits for residential and commercial building in AlUla South is a first step toward unlocking growth while enhancing quality of life and the overall aesthetic of AlUla for the community,” RCU CEO Amr Al-Madani said in a statement.

“We have launched a series of programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing quality of life for local communities, including training programs for 3,500 AlUla natives and more than 900 jobs created, and are now building a high-quality urban landscape to match.”

The move follows a number of development projects aimed at improving AlUla’s tourism infrastructure, including the expansion of Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdul Aziz Domestic Airport to welcome 400,000 visitors annually and elevate its status as a logistics hub.

“We are working on elevating AlUla as a model city for tourism, economic growth and human development, making AlUla an example to follow,” Al-Madani said.

The development program will include multiple streams focusing on infrastructure, telecommunications and transportation systems, in addition to improving the quality of life and level of services provided to citizens and tourists alike.

This will be accompanied by the provision of new training and career opportunities in sectors that serve the strategic direction of the governorate.