Removal of encroachments in Jeddah on an area of ​​3000 m² to improve the urban landscape

Ongoing efforts to combat slums

As part of its ongoing efforts to preserve public property and enforce regulations, the Jeddah Municipality, represented by the Buraiman Sub-Municipality, announced the completion of a large-scale field campaign that resulted in the removal of three illegal structures and encroachments. The total area of ​​these reclaimed sites reached approximately 3,000 square meters. This decisive action is part of the Municipality's strategy to address negative phenomena, reduce informal settlements, and improve the urban landscape in various neighborhoods of the governorate.

Details of the removal of encroachments in Jeddah, within the Buraiman area

The Mayor of Buraiman, Mr. Fahd Sharaf Al-Maliki, explained that the inspection and field teams were able to detect these violations and deal with them firmly in accordance with the approved regulations. This campaign was carried out from the 29th of Sha'ban until the 11th of Shawwal. The field operations included the removal of an illegally constructed enclosure that had previously been addressed by the relevant authorities, but which the violators had rebuilt, disregarding the regulations. The campaign also included the removal of newly constructed commercial shops built illegally, in addition to the demolition of another enclosure that had been erected in violation of municipal regulations and was being used as a headquarters for unregulated commercial activities that lacked even the most basic safety and organizational requirements.

Historical context and the Kingdom's Vision 2030

Historically, Jeddah Governorate has witnessed rapid demographic and urban growth over the past decades, leading at times to encroachments on undeveloped land and attempts to exploit spaces without legal or regulatory justification. To address these challenges, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030, launched comprehensive national programs aimed at eliminating informal settlements and combating encroachments on public and private lands. The Visual Distortion Remediation Initiative, led by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, is a cornerstone of this effort, seeking to restructure Saudi cities into smart, sustainable, and environmentally friendly urban centers.

Local, regional and international impact

This event is of paramount importance and has multifaceted implications. Locally, these removals contribute to raising the quality of life for Jeddah residents, providing a safe and organized urban environment, and protecting the rights of citizens and the state by preventing land encroachment. Regionally and nationally, the Jeddah Municipality's strict enforcement of regulations sends a strong message affirming the rule of law and enhances investor confidence in the Saudi market by ensuring a fair business environment free from haphazard activities that harm the formal economy. Internationally, these efforts reflect the Kingdom's commitment to implementing the highest global standards in urban planning and sustainable development, raising the ranking of Saudi cities in global quality of life indices and making Jeddah an attractive destination for tourism and foreign investment.

Intensified monitoring and a call for compliance

In closing, the Jeddah Municipality emphasized that it will not tolerate any violations or encroachments and will continue its regular monitoring and follow-up efforts to address them immediately, in accordance with strict regulations and instructions. The Municipality also issued a clear call to all citizens and residents to fully comply with regulations, obtain the necessary permits before commencing any construction work, and avoid encroaching on land or engaging in any unlicensed commercial activities, in support of national efforts aimed at building a vibrant society and a thriving economy.