Saudi Crown Prince Launches Architectural Map to Preserve 19 Regional Styles

Saudi Arabia’s architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s a reflection of its culture, geography, and history. From the deserts of Najd to the coastal cities of Hijaz, every region has its own distinct style shaped by climate and tradition. 

To celebrate this diversity, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched the Saudi Architecture Characters Map.

This initiative features 19 unique styles that safeguard the Kingdom’s architectural identity while guiding future urban development.

A Look at the 19 Architectural Styles

The Saudi Architecture Characters Map is a reflection of the Kingdom’s diverse geography. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the initiative encourages designs inspired by each region’s historical architecture. This effort also supports tourism, real estate, and local industries by integrating heritage into contemporary city planning.

Each of the 19 styles draws from the natural surroundings, climate, and cultural history of its region. Here’s how they stand out:

1. Najd and Central Saudi Arabia

• Najdi Architecture: Characterized by mud-brick homes with internal courtyards, designed to keep interiors cool in extreme heat.
• Northern Najd: Features simpler structures with defensive elements due to the harsher desert environment.
• Eastern Najd: A variation of Najdi styles with added wind towers to combat humidity.

2. Western and Coastal Hijaz

• Hejazi Coastal: Known for coral stone facades and intricate wooden window screens (rawasheen), common in Jeddah.
• Madinah Style: Emphasizes open courtyards and palm-frond roofs to allow airflow, adapting to the city’s climate.
• Madinah Rural: A simpler variation with local stone construction, blending into the surrounding oases.
• Taif Style: Features stone-built homes with high walls, designed for the cooler mountain climate.

3. Southwestern Mountain and Plateau Regions

• Asir Highlands: Houses built from stone or mud and decorated with colorful geometric patterns.
• Sarawat Mountains: Uses stacked stone for durability and insulation in high-altitude settlements.
• Tihama Slopes: Raised wooden homes designed for ventilation in the humid coastal plains.
• Aseer Coastal: A fusion of sea-facing materials and mountain-inspired designs.
• Farasan Islands: Whitewashed structures with decorative carvings, influenced by trade routes.
• Bariq Architecture: A unique blend of mountain and coastal elements, incorporating both stone and wooden features.

4. Eastern and Gulf Regions

• Al-Ahsa Oasis: Mud-brick houses with natural cooling techniques reflecting the region’s agricultural richness.
• Qatif Architecture: Blends Gulf and Arabian influences with courtyard homes built from coral stone.
• Eastern Coast: Strong Gulf-style architecture featuring wind-catching towers and decorative wooden doors.

5. Southern and Desert Areas

• Bisha Desert Style: Thick-walled homes made of sun-dried bricks to withstand the harsh sun.
• Najran Architecture: A mix of mud-brick fortresses and adobe-style homes, unique to the Yemeni border area.
• Rub al Khali Desert: Minimalist structures designed for extreme desert conditions, using local sand and palm fronds for insulation.

Bringing the Map to Life

This project isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a blueprint for the future. Saudi Arabia is rolling out these architectural guidelines in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Makkah. 

Developers and architects will use them to shape both public and private buildings, ensuring new structures honor their surroundings. Besides that, local craftsmen and engineers will play a key role in keeping designs authentic while integrating modern materials and technology.

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