Evaluation of Planned Sustainable Urban Development Projects in Al-Baha Region Using Analytical Hierarchy Process

Naief A. Aldossary (), Jamal K. Alghamdi, Abdulaziz A. Alzahrani, Ali Alqahtany and Saleh H. Alyami
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Naief A. Aldossary: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha P.O. Box 1988, Saudi Arabia
Jamal K. Alghamdi: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha P.O. Box 1988, Saudi Arabia
Abdulaziz A. Alzahrani: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha P.O. Box 1988, Saudi Arabia
Ali Alqahtany: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
Saleh H. Alyami: Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Najran University, Najran 55461, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 7, 1-19

Abstract: This paper presents and illustrates planned urban projects in the Al-Baha region with the potential to contribute to developing a sustainable local environment and economy in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s 2030 national vision and future needs. Al-Baha is characterized by a wealth of renewable energy, a cooler environment relative to many other Saudi regions, as well as multiple heritage villages and wildlife habitats set amid mountainous topography. The approach used here is the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), which employs an expert consultation analysis to identify the best future projects for the Al-Baha region. About 52 experts were invited, each selected according to specific criteria to include decision-makers, developers, and academics in the fields of the built environment, engineering, and investment. The findings of the study are evaluated and culminate in suggestions for future projects in the tourism; renewable energy; agriculture and farming; health and education; and wildlife and forest protection sectors. It has been found that the most important future projects are those related to the tourism and agricultural and farming sectors. The other projects proposed are unique to the Al-Baha region due to its location and traditions. The study concludes with key recommendations for developers and decision-makers.

Keywords: urban projects; renewable energy; urban planning; AHP; Al-Baha; Saudi Arabia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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