DAVOS — Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said Saudi Arabia is working with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to define global benchmarks for quality of life in cities, as part of the Kingdom's broader urban development ambitions. Speaking Tuesday at the Saudi House during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, Al-Khateeb addressed a panel titled "Discussing Quality of Life 2030 and Beyond: Innovation Shaped Cities," where he outlined Saudi Arabia's approach to building more livable, sustainable urban environments. "We painted the picture of that city where you can enjoy the best quality of life," Al-Khateeb said. He acknowledged the complexity of the challenge, noting that no city today fully meets all quality-of-life standards. "I don't think there is a single city in the world today that can tick all the boxes," he said. Despite this, Al-Khateeb stressed that Saudi Arabia is taking a structured and collaborative approach through its partnership with UN-Habitat. "But at least, we've been working with UN-Habitat to define the parameters of what the cities with the best quality of life should have," he added, pointing to efforts focused on livability, sustainability, and human-centered urban design. UN-Habitat works globally to promote sustainable urban development and improve living conditions, with expertise spanning urban planning, housing, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. Al-Khateeb said such collaborations aim to help Saudi Arabia set new benchmarks for urban excellence by balancing modern infrastructure with inclusive and people-focused city planning, making cities more functional, vibrant, and enjoyable for residents.
