Riyadh Municipality launches digital platform to speed urban plan approvals

The Riyadh Municipality has launched a unified digital platform to streamline the approval of urban plans, bringing all relevant authorities into a single, integrated online system.

The platform is designed to simplify procedures for beneficiaries, particularly in the real estate development sector, by enabling all stages of approval to be completed electronically. Developers can submit applications online and track their progress from initial submission through technical review and final authorisation.

According to the municipality, the initiative enhances transparency, improves governance and significantly reduces the time required to approve urban plans. By unifying processes and digitising workflows, the platform is expected to accelerate the provision of developed residential land and support the growth of the real estate sector.

The system also strengthens coordination among government entities by allowing competent authorities to verify that infrastructure requirements are met at every stage of the approval process. This integrated approach is intended to ensure consistency and compliance while avoiding duplication across agencies.

Users of the platform have access to clear guidelines and technical requirements for the design and development of urban plans. The system supports the electronic submission of both master and detailed plans, enables applicants to upload and preview documents online, and provides real-time updates on the status of applications.

In addition, the platform documents the full review and approval workflow across the committees and authorities involved. The municipality said this will improve the overall user experience and enhance the quality and reliability of urban planning outcomes.

By linking all participating agencies within a single digital environment, the Riyadh Municipality said the platform supports sustainable urban development and contributes to building more resilient and attractive cities for residents and investors.