Department of Urban and Regional Planning

The Department of Urban and Regional Planning was established in 1396 AH / 1976 AD as a response to the growing national demand for professionally trained cadres in planning, urban affairs, and policy analysis, and as a response to the rapid population and economic growth in Saudi cities after the oil boom in the Kingdom. The rapid urbanization has raised important issues on land development, housing, urban growth, encroachment handling, transportation and infrastructure, environmental protection, community service provision and urban development issues. The department offers a program for urban and regional planning, in which students are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in urban and regional planning after successful completion of the program, which extends over four years and includes eight semesters in addition to one preparatory year. The department also offers two active master's and doctoral programs.