2HOUSING AND ACCESS TO SERVICES

Saudi Arabia is one of the geographically largest countries in the Arabian Gulf region. Its population, particularly the youth cohort, has been growing dramatically over the past two decades. Managing the country’s rapid urbanization has been a major challenge since the oil boom of the 1970s and the provision of affordable housing to Saudi citizens has been a priority and a keystone of Saudi Arabia’s urban policy since 1974. Due to the growing urbanization rate, Saudi Arabia is now facing significant urban challenges. According to MOMRA approximately 82.1 % of the total population lives in urban areas. The cost of living will also escalate, possibly reducing access to affordable housing and services among the most vulnerable and low-income sections of the population, particularly youth and women. This section will address the different issues that youth and women face in access to housing and services.