Impact of Urban Green Spaces on Social Interaction and Sustainability: A Case Study in Jubail, Saudi Arabia

Roaa M. Alshehri (), Badran M. Alzenifeer, Ali M. Alqahtany (), Tareq Alrawaf, Aymen H. Alsayed, Hazem M. Nour Afify, Zeinab Ahmed AbdElghaffar Elmoghazy and Maher S. Alshammari
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Roaa M. Alshehri: Department of Architecture & Planning, Jubail Industrial College, Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu, Jubail 35718, Saudi Arabia
Badran M. Alzenifeer: Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
Ali M. Alqahtany: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
Tareq Alrawaf: Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
Aymen H. Alsayed: Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
Hazem M. Nour Afify: Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
Zeinab Ahmed AbdElghaffar Elmoghazy: Department of Interior Design, College of Designs, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
Maher S. Alshammari: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-16

Abstract: This research assesses the involvement of green urban spaces in creating social interaction among the residents of a neighborhood. It emphasizes the significance of urban parks, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia’s New Vision 2030, and showcases the proactive approach of Jubail Industrial City in planning and distributing parks. The study delves into the legibility of parks, exploring factors that impact user experiences, including accessibility and amenities. It highlights how park design can influence social interactions. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of social interaction within neighborhood parks, especially among diverse cultural and age groups. The results prove to be a significant output for future use in enhancing the quality of green spaces and providing efficient means of social interaction among people. The study’s findings, such as increased social interaction with diverse amenities and improved safety perceptions, contribute to sustainable urban planning by fostering social cohesion, enhancing ecological benefits through tree cover, and building community resilience, aligning with Vision 2030’s sustainability goals. Recommendations are provided to improve the park user experience and promote increased utilization of neighborhood parks.

Keywords: Jubail; neighborhood; parks; playgrounds; recreational areas; Saudi Arabia; social interaction; urban design; urban green spaces (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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