从愿景到现实：实施总体规划

Creating practical visions for urbanand economic development in theGulf Cooperation Council Managementsummary Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are undergoing an unprecedented waveof urban transformation, driven by the urgent need to diversify their economiesbeyond oil. National strategies - such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, Kuwait's Vision 2035and Oman's Vision 2040 - place spatial planning at the heart of economic and societalchange. These strategies outline a bold vision to redefine urban living, aiming to attractglobal investment and talents, as a pathway to long-term economic resilience. In Bahrain,Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, a similar transformation approach has been adoptedsince 2008 albeit with focused urbanisation projects. Across the region, large-scalemasterplans aim to make cities more sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive.However, translating these ambitious visions into reality is a complex undertaking, andsuccess will depend on the capacity of cities and delivery teams to bridge the gapbetween vision and execution. This study examines key challenges and opportunities for implementing large-scaleurban development within the evolving GCC countries. It reviews current masterplanningefforts highlighting key funding, governance and planning constraints, identifiesopportunities for greater private-sector involvement to support national ambitionsand draws lessons from leading regional urban development projects and global urbanplanning models to build public sector capacity By outlining nine strategic enablers – from practical visioning and neighborhood-scaleplanning to governance reform and investor engagement – this study offers a roadmapfor turning grand ambitions into tangible, lasting outcomes. Contents of the GCCpopulation isprojected to residein urban areasby 2030 Oil and gasrevenues havecontributedalmost 40% ofGDP in some GCCcountries over thelast two decades Saudi Arabia’sVision 2030,Oman’s Vision2040, and Kuwait’sVision 2035 placespatial planningat the heart ofnational economicand societaltransformationstrategies A visionary leap forward Urbanization as a catalyst for transformation Catalyzed by the discovery of oil reserves, the GCC region has undergone a remarkabletransformation over the past 50 years, shifting from rural societies to urban, modernizedeconomies. Over the last two decades, oil and gas revenues have contributed almost 40% ofGDP in some GCC countries.1However, technological progress and environmental concernshave created a global shift towards renewable energy, encouraging nations to diversifytheir economies and reshape their long-term development strategies. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) Vision 20302is a bold roadmap for its transformation,aiming to diversify the economy beyond oil and transform the society through urbanisation.It proposes targeted mega and giga urban development projects to host alternativeeconomic sectors – like tourism, entertainment, logistics and technology – as new urbanhubs of economic activity. In parallel, it sets the agenda to enhance existing cities such asRiyadh, Jeddah, Makkah and Dammam with similar economic diversification whilstsupporting an improved quality of life featuring green spaces, cultural venues, transportsystems and housing improvements. Neighboring Oman is also following a transformational plan, as the National Vision 20403seeks to enable equitable socioeconomic growth, notably by developing decentralizedsmart city hubs. These hubs are envisioned as gateways for global market integration, driving both international investment andtradeopportunities.The vision utilizesurbanization as an opportunity to make thecountry attractive on the global stage,where cities compete for talent. Across the Gulf region, national visions suchas Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, Oman's Vision 2040and Kuwait's Vision 2035 are reshaping theregion's urban trajectory. Together, they reflect ashared drive to transition toward more diversifiedand future-ready cities." The United Arab Emirates (UAE) alsodeveloped a national strategy with a focuson building public sector capacity androbust governance. Here, urban planningefforts have traditionally focused largely on Michael CaracacheSenior Partner, Roland Berger Dubai, to develop it as a pioneering city of global recognition. Additionally, 2040 visionmasterplans for Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah are also emerging, highlighting alarger, national trend within the UAE.4 Although urban development priorities are contextual to each country, GCC states overallenvisage a future where innovative cities, powered by cutting-edge technology andsustainable practices, seamlessly integrate into the cultural and historical fabric of theregion. Projections by the United Nations Development Programme,5also point to anincreasingly urban future: nearly 85% of the GCC population is projected to reside in urbanareas by 2030. These future development strategies hold great po