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The Cost of Riyadh’s Rapid Urbanisation
B2G
08.08.2025
MENA
In just 60 years, the population of Riyadh, the capital of the world’s largest oil exporter, Saudi Arabia, has grown from 150 thousand to nearly 8 million people. It is projected to continue this rapid growth, potentially reaching 15 million by 2030. This transformation has not only altered the architectural landscape of Riyadh but has also introduced numerous challenges.
Omniki.Survey reached out to various public demographics currently residing in Riyadh to understand their assessment of the city environment and gather their opinions on the most effective strategies for addressing traffic and environment issues.
Omniki.Survey reached out to various public demographics currently residing in Riyadh to understand their assessment of the city environment and gather their opinions on the most effective strategies for addressing traffic and environment issues.
77.8% of citizens rated the city’s congestion level as Very high
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia opened parts of Riyadh’s metro system as the kingdom pushes ahead with plans to modernize the capital and ease the heavy traffic that has become a common complaint among city dwellers. When fully operational, Riyadh’s metro is set to have the capacity to transport more than 3.6 million passengers a day. While the launch of the metro system seems to be a significant step toward making the public transport infrastructure more convenient, there are concerns that it may not achieve the desired effect of easing traffic congestion.
When asked about the main causes for traffic jams, 24.3% pointed to Rapid population growth, 14.4% attributed heavy traffic to High private ownership and 14% to Limited public transportation. Insufficient road infrastructure (11.6%) and Peak-hour overlaps (10.4%) completed the list of the top five reasons.
Waste management is another top priority for Saudi Arabia
The study revealed that more than half of the respondents (55.6%) were satisfied with litter management policies implemented by the government. Nonetheless, waste issues top the list of local environmental concerns — for 14.2% of the respondents the problem of waste bears high importance along with industrial pollution (19.9%), air quality (10.5%) and water scarcity (9.1%).
Thirsty for greening
A valuable insight gained from the poll was that despite being accustomed to the desert from birth, people in Riyadh long for more green spaces. When asked about possible improvements that can be made to the capital's urban environment, More green spaces and parks (28.5%) was cited most frequently. Other suggestions, such as Pedestrian- and bike-friendly infrastructure (11.7%), Clean air initiatives (10.8%), and Comprehensive waste management (8.2%) were also prioritised.
About Omniki.Survey
Identifying people’s concerns is part of a decision-making process for the governmental authorities on all levels — national, regional, and local. Omniki.Survey uses a river-sampling method for data collection from unbiased respondents, screening out quick fills and illogical answers to ensure that the data gathered is reliable and robust.
Using the best practices of sociological science Omniki.Survey delivers the basic facts and helps both governmental authorities and companies gain the necessary insight for positive change to happen.
Leave your contacts and receive a report with the following data:
Using the best practices of sociological science Omniki.Survey delivers the basic facts and helps both governmental authorities and companies gain the necessary insight for positive change to happen.
Leave your contacts and receive a report with the following data:
- Traffic congestion level and its causes
- Environmental issues
- Strategies for traffic and waste challenges
- Responsibility for the urban community
- Perceived government effectiveness
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This is a study on public perceptions of traffic, waste, and environmental management in Riyadh.
Omniki.survey conducted this research in April 2025, surveying a representative sample of residents. The study explores how citizens assess the city’s traffic congestion, waste policies, and government effectiveness, as well as what improvements they believe are needed. Omniki.survey employs the river-sampling technique to ensure the most impartial responses.
Omniki.survey conducted this research in April 2025, surveying a representative sample of residents. The study explores how citizens assess the city’s traffic congestion, waste policies, and government effectiveness, as well as what improvements they believe are needed. Omniki.survey employs the river-sampling technique to ensure the most impartial responses.
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