Inclusive design key to urban future

Accessibility and inclusion play a crucial role in the urban transformation under way in Saudi Arabia, says Dr Talal Alharbi, an accessibility expert for giga projects. At the recent Global Stratalogues roundtables on accessible design, he provided his insights on the kingdom's commitment to inclusivity and the challenges involved.

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SAUDI ARABIA’S giga projects are not just about grand infrastructure; they’re about creating a world that can be experienced by all. To achieve this goal, these transformational urban projects are being designed to ensure accessibility and inclusion right from their planning stages, said Dr Talal Alharbi, an accessibility expert for giga projects.

At the Global Stratalogues inaugural roundtables on accessible design last month in Dubai, Dr Alharbi shared his thoughts on how these principles are reshaping the nation’s ambitious urban developments, particularly in anticipation of global events like the Expo 2030 and World Cup 2034. His insights highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment to inclusivity, the initiatives being taken to ensure everyone – including people of all ages and degrees of physical abilities – feels welcome and accommodated, and the practical challenges in implementing its plans.

Dr Alharbi stressed the need to consider accessibility at the earliest planning stages, following a structured process through the Design Management Office (DMO), which guides the giga projects from the initial vision to detailed execution.

“We start to think about accessibility from the vision at high levels of management. We deal with the best consultants in the world, ensuring that accessibility is a primary consideration from the very beginning, allowing teams to integrate it seamlessly into the project and avoiding last-minute adjustments or compromises that often fall short of the intended inclusivity,” he stated.

This commitment to accessibility aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals under Vision 2030, which explicitly mandates enabling people with disabilities. Dr Alharbi noted that accessibility is no longer an option: “It’s not a choice anymore. I mean, it’s a very clear vision that enables people with disabilities.”