Affordable housing in Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030: new developments and new challenges

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the housing delivery within the Saudi Vision 2030 through an in-depth reading of the Saudi Vision 2030 from the researcher’s point of view and to identify the most significant aspects that may affect housing delivery in the country. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the desktop study technique was followed to review the key related literature, collect the data and analyze secondary data. The content analysis technique was used for data analysis of gathered documents and secondary data. Findings The findings reveal that there are several commitments in the Saudi Vision 2030 from the Saudi Government to be an exemplary leading nation in all aspects, including the delivery of affordable housing. Housing shortage, housing cost, demographic changes and land scarcity are identified as significant reasons for the lack of providing affordable housing. Research limitations/implications The opinions of policymakers is very important, but due to time limitation, it has not been addressed. Future research can assess the Saudi Vision 2030 based on the study of the policymakers, professionals and academics to have better insights. Originality/value The paper contributes to discussing the housing delivery within the Saudi Vision 2030 and identifying the most significant aspects that may affect the housing delivery from the researcher’s point of view. Only a few studies have discussed the housing issues within the Saudi Vision 2030.

Government regulation and financial support on housing delivery: lessons learned from the Saudi experience

“…The content analysis technique was used in this study for data analysis of gathered documents and secondary data where it fits well with the objectives of this study (Abubakar and Aina, 2019; Abubakar and Dano, 2019; Alqahtany and Bin Mohanna, 2019; Alqahtany, 2020). Content analysis is a widely used qualitative research technique (Hsieh and Shannon, 2005).…”

“…The REDF is a non-profit REDF whose idea was based on providing loans to citizens without interest with a repayment period of up to 25 years to help them build their own homes regardless of their income levels (Alqahtany, 2019(Alqahtany, , 2020. The REDF began to provide its services during the second five-year development plan (1975)(1976)(1977)(1978)(1979)(1980).…”

“…In 2016, the KSA witnessed a great event that constituted a quantum leap in Saudi development and led the country to be in the ranks of developed countries globally, which is the approval of the Kingdom's vision "Saudi Vision 2030" by the Saudi Council of Ministers on the 25 April 2016 (Alqahtany, 2020). The vision aims to guide the KSA to be a model leading nation in all aspects and to create a vibrant society based on a prosperous economy where all citizens can achieve their dreams, hopes and aspirations for success (Saudi Vision 2030, 2019.…”

Critical Junctures in Sustainable Social Housing Policy Development in Saudi Arabia: A Review

“…In 2016, the state embarked upon a new mission by introducing a post-oil plan to strengthen its effort for an adequate and affordable housing provision, particularly for the people most in need. The policy seeks to address the limitations of previous plans and housing strategies by (i) considering the socio-economic context of the beneficiaries to determine appropriate housing design; (ii) increasing state support to house low and middle-income citizens through the enhanced resourcing of REDF and finally (iii) promoting partnerships and cooperation with the private and non-profit (charitable organisations) sectors [12]. This has also been facilitated by the commitment to ensure institutional efficiency and an appropriate policy framework based on neo-liberal ideology in the housing sector (MOH 2020a).…”

“…Therefore, focusing on the sustainability of social housing provides tangible social, economic and environmental results for lower-income groups [11]. The past few decades have seen a shift in emphasis towards developing a sustainable social housing policy to deliver adequate and affordable housing for the urban poor in many developing countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), which is experiencing massive urbanisation and infrastructural development [12]. Processes and mechanisms of social housing delivery introduced in response to the increasing urbanisation and the accompanying housing needs of marginal groups, correlate to political and historical events.…”