Al-Ulya Village Municipality completes the Eastern Najd Gate Square project
The municipality of Qaryat Al-Ulya announced the official completion of the "Eastern Najd Gate Square" project, a pioneering and significant step aimed at highlighting the rich architectural heritage of the eastern Najd region. This project is part of the municipality's ongoing efforts to improve the urban landscape and reinforce the region's architectural and cultural identity, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 for developing and humanizing Saudi cities.
The vision of Qaryat Al-Ulya Municipality is to integrate tradition with modernity
The mayor of Qaryat Al-Ulya , Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, explained that this unique project falls within the rural areas of the governorate. He pointed out that the design of the Gate Plaza accurately embodies the features of traditional Najdi mud-brick architecture, drawing its details and artistic elements from the daily life and residential environment of the region's inhabitants in the past. The Gate Plaza presents a comprehensive design philosophy that evokes old mud-brick houses and recalls the features of the Najdi oases to ensure the project's harmony with its surrounding natural environment.
Architectural details inspired by the oases of Najd and the plains of As-Saman
The project's implementation included the use of natural clay to clad the various architectural structures, as well as paving the floors with natural stone, adding an authentic aesthetic touch that harmonizes with the local environment and supports its sustainability. The project was not limited to construction alone; it also incorporated water and agricultural elements inspired by the nature of the eastern Najd oases. Furthermore, a variety of native wild plants brought from the environments of the renowned plains and valleys of As-Summan were planted, giving the site a comprehensive environmental and heritage dimension that enhances the region's biodiversity.
The historical dimensions and developmental impact of the project, both urbanly and in terms of tourism
The Qaryat Al-Ulya Governorate enjoys a distinguished geographical and historical location in eastern Arabia, having historically served as a caravan route and a vital commercial crossroads between Najd, Al-Ahsa, and the Arabian Gulf region. This historical significance underscores the importance of reviving its architectural heritage to serve as a living testament for future generations and visitors to the area.
At the local and regional levels, this project contributes to the promotion of cultural and heritage tourism in the province, attracting those interested in Najdi mud-brick architecture and desert landscapes. It also directly contributes to improving the quality of life for local residents by providing aesthetically pleasing and comfortable public spaces that connect people with their environment and rich history.
In this context, Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghamdi affirmed that the project falls under the umbrella of the municipality's comprehensive strategy aimed at developing public spaces and improving the quality of urban life, while fully committed to preserving the local architectural identity. He emphasized that the municipality is continuing to implement high-quality development projects that balance preserving authenticity with keeping pace with modern requirements, thus fulfilling the aspirations for comprehensive and sustainable development in the governorate, in line with the major urban renaissance witnessed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
