Adequate Homes Renewed

“Adequate housing” means more than providing a building. It includes safety and stability, access to basic services, affordability, a sound and habitable home, access to services, a suitable location, and respect for residents’ identity. For World Cities Day 2026, held under the theme “Renewing Cities: Adequate Housing for All,” UN estimates indicate that around 3.4 billion people lack one or more of these essentials. In Saudi Arabia, the homeownership rate among households reached 66.24% in 2025, exceeding that year’s target, while Vision 2030 aims to raise it to 70%. In Jeddah, 9,206 families have been rehoused as part of efforts to address informal settlements. Other initiatives have included improving roads and public spaces in Hail, and revitalizing historic buildings in Jeddah while preserving the city’s urban identity. The challenge is to ensure that residents—especially people on low incomes, older people, and people with disabilities—benefit from development without rising property values imposing new burdens or forcing them to leave. This makes suitable alternative housing, compensation where needed, and resident involvement in decision-making especially important.

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