JEDDAH: The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has selected seventeen cities for the implementation of the first phase of the government’s ambitious plan to improve the condition of cities across the Kingdom. The move, which will be in accordance with the highest international standards, seeks to increase standards in these areas in terms of planning and the quality of services, with the aim to make them more attractive.

The ministry said the selection process of the cities was based on several criteria, including population, geographic distribution, and categorization of the growth distribution. The strategy aims to reduce urban sprawl and will protect the environment of these cities.

The plan is being implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlements program.