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MILESTONES
ACHIEVEMENTS and
AWARDS
Over the years, RCRC has gained recognition and won numerous prestigious awards.
Digital Excellence Certificate, Financial Dimension – Level 5, Digital Government Forum 2025 (1447 AH)
RCRC was awarded the Digital Excellence Certificate, Financial Dimension – Level 5 (the highest tier) during the Digital Government Forum 2025. This achievement recognizes RCRC's efforts in implementing best practices in financial digital transformation. It highlights the adoption of innovative technical solutions that enhance resource management efficiency and strengthen the foundations of sustainability and institutional excellence across its various sectors.
CoMotion GLOBAL Urban Visionary Distinction Award, 1447H (2025)
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has been awarded the 2025 CoMotion GLOBAL Urban Visionary Distinction at the CoMotion Global Summit 2025. The award recognizes RCRC’s pioneering efforts in the design, implementation, and operation of the Riyadh Metro project. The metro network has surpassed projected ridership figures in less than a year, setting a significant global benchmark for the future of integrated mobility systems.
Noor Riyadh’s Fifth Edition wins 12 International Cultural Awards, 1447H (2025)
Noor Riyadh’s Fifth Edition received 12 global cultural awards, including the LIT Lighting Design Awards, the MUSE Design Awards, the New York Architecture Design Awards, and the TITAN Awards. The festival also secured four new Guinness World Records: the largest moving water artwork, the largest illuminated emoji, the largest AI-processed projection mapping on a building, and the largest 3D-printed mural artwork.
Riyadh Metro the “Mega Project of the Year 2025” for the MENA Region by MEED, 1447H (2025)
Riyadh Metro was honored with the “Mega Project of the Year 2025” award for the Middle East and North Africa region at the prestigious MEED Projects Awards. The MEED judging panel selected the project following a rigorous evaluation process, commending its excellence in engineering design, technical innovation, operational execution, and sustainable urban development. The project’s complex management and measurable social and environmental benefits further distinguished it among other regional entries.
LEED Gold Certification for Riyadh Public Transport Operation and Control Center 1447H (2025)
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has announced that the Riyadh Public Transport Operation and Control Center has received LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This certification highlights the facility’s adherence to high-performance building standards including a sustainable design that prioritizes resource conservation and the integration of advanced technologies to curb energy consumption and carbon emissions.
EFQM Organizational Excellence Accreditation, 1446H (2024)
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), represented by its Special Zones Sector, has been awarded the 2024 Organizational Excellence Accreditation by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). This recognition highlights RCRC’s commitment to implementing the EFQM Excellence Model and adhering to leading administrative best practices.
Riyadh Municipality’s Award for Architectural and Urban Creativity, 1445H (2023)
The RCRC's Qasr Al-Hukm District Urban Development Project received the Riyadh Municipality's Award for Architectural and Urban Creativity 2023, in the Environmental Architecture and Urban Design Category.
Public Transport
Completion of the main “Riyadh Bus” network within the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project for Riyadh City (metro & bus).
Economy & Investment
Under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), the Kingdom's bid to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh culminated in a historical triumph as Riyadh secured the right to host Expo 2030 at the 173rd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) held in Paris.
Economy & Investment
Establishment of the Riyadh Special Economic Zones Center to enhance the business competitiveness of Riyadh City.
Culture, Art and Entertainment
Inauguration of the third edition of the "Noor Riyadh" light festival, a Riyadh Art program, under the theme: The Bright Side of the Desert Moon.
Economy & Investment
Creating the master plan for Riyadh Expo 2030.
Education
Riyadh welcomes the Beech Hall School Riyadh and Reigate Grammar School as part of the International Schools Attraction Program, supervised by RCRC in partnership with the Ministries of Education and Investment.
International Schools Attraction Program
Opening the British Downe House International School and Singapore’s One World International School, and announcing a partnership with the British Aldenham Education Group as part of the RCRC International Schools Attraction Program.
Best Sustainability Campaign Award in the Kingdom and the Middle East, 1443H (2021)
RCRC received two bronze awards from the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) for the “خضراء يادارنا” campaign of the Green Riyadh project in the category of “Best Sustainability Campaign in the Middle East” and the category of “Best Campaign in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” for the year 2021.
Best Professional Communication Campaign Award, 1443H (2021)
Riyadh Art project won a silver award from the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) for the Noor Riyadh Light Festival as the best professional communication campaign in the Middle East in the Arts and Culture category, in a fierce competition in which more than 88 parties participated in 56 categories.
Culture, Art & Entertainment
Launch of the Noor Riyadh Festival of light and art at 13 locations in the capital Riyadh.
Education
Opening the British King's College School - Riyadh and announcing a partnership with the Spanish SEK Education Group to open their first-ever school in Riyadh.
Environment & Sustainability
Launch of Riyadh Sustainability Strategy.
Economy & Investment
44 multinational companies choose to open regional headquarters in Riyadh as part of the RCRC Regional Headquarters Attraction Program.
Economy & Investment
Submitting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's bid to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh to the BIE.
Environment & Sustainability
Commencement of Green Riyadh afforestation works.
Planning
Completion of the Wadi Hanifa Urban Code and all relevant procedures.
Environment & Sustainability
Implementation of Namar Lake Views Park and environmental rehabilitation projects for Oubair, Mahdia, and Batha valleys
Planning
Riyadh Smart City roadmap approved, including concept, comprehensive plan and outputs.
Public Transit
Completion of Riyadh Metro project tunnel boring works.
Public Transport
Commencement of Riyadh Metro project tunnel boring works.
Urban Development
Implementation of Al-Bujairi quarter development project, which is part of the development program of historical Diriyah.
Environment & Sustainability
Implementing several environmental and recreational projects at Al-Thumamah region.
Planning
Preparation of a Comprehensive Plan for flood drainage in Riyadh up to 1470 Hijri.
Saudi Arabia Award for Environmental Management, 1435H (2014)
RCRC won the second position in the “Saudi Arabia Award for Environmental Management”, organized by the Arab Administrative Development Organization (Arab League) under the category of “Environmental Management Applications by Arab Government Agencies”. The award came in recognition of the High Committee for Environment Protection’s role in promoting environmental management, as well as its supervisory, co-ordinative, and follow-up efforts to implement environmental protection action plans in Riyadh. The Commission received the award at a ceremony held at The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in the capital of Morocco, Rabat, under the auspices of the Minister Delegate for Environmental Affairs in the Kingdom of Morocco.
Transport
Implementation of the Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq and Al-Oruba Roads extension project and the tunnel at the intersection of King Abdulaziz Road with Al-Oruba Road
Planning
Creating the Coordination Plan for the Provision of Public Utilities in Riyadh City.
Environment & Sustainability
Implementation of Wadi Namar and Wadi Laban Environmental Rehabilitation Project
Planning
Preparing the Comprehensive Strategy for Preserving Vegetation in Riyadh Province.
Transport
Completing the first phase of the King Abdullah Road Development Project (from its intersection with Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road to its intersection with King Abdulaziz Road).
Prince Sultan Ibn Salman Award for Architectural Heritage, 1431H (2010)
This Award was given to al-Midi Mosque in King Abdulaziz Historical Center because the project successfully reflected and drew inspiration from architectural heritage in both design and the overall coordination of the site. The Award also acknowledged the “utilization of local natural materials in addition to the incorporation of advanced design concepts which have a profound impact on the architectural and social surroundings."
Aga Khan Award for Architecture, 1431H (2010)
The High Committee for the Development of Riyadh was awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for the fourth time for its rehabilitation project at Wadi Hanifa in 2010. The jury of the Award unanimously awarded the top honor to the project out of 401 competitors. The Award committee judged that the Wadi Hanifa project succeeded by applying sensitive environmental measures and social values in developing a natural feature. This has effectively and successfully transformed a watercourse that was previously filled with hazardous waste and was a blot on the city into a delightful and attractive environment within the capital. The jury decided to give the Award to the Wadi Hanifa project in recognition of RCRC’s vision and determination to realize sustainable development as part of effective urban development
Saudi e-Government Achievement Award, 1431H (2010)
The Riyadh Maps site was given the e-Government Achievement Award "Injaz" at its first session in 2010, in the category of "Better Service for Community Members" organized by the e-Government Program (Yesser). The award ceremony was held under the dignified patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, and then the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, H.E. Eng. Mohammed Jameel bin Mulla, handed the award to Eng. Abdullatif bin Abdulmalik Al Shaikh, during the delivery ceremony held on Sunday in conjunction with the second National Conference on e-Government 2010, in the Kingdom Hall at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh
Environment & Sustainability
Implementing the Wadi Hanifa Environmental Rehabilitation Project (80km long).
Urban Development
Development of King Salman Square in Diriyah, which had the fifth-largest flag in the world at that time.
Planning
Preparing Wadi Al-Sulay Rehabilitation Plan (covering 103km in length).
Award of the Best Arab Information and Strategic Services Portal, 1429H (2009)
Riyadh website, developed by RDA, was selected by the Internet Awards Academy in the Arab Region in 2009 for the Award of the Best Arab Information and Strategic Services Portal. The Awards are given to the best websites that are informative, convenient, and easy to access. The Internet Awards Academy in the Arab Region competition was organized in cooperation with Dubai Internet City, Microsoft, and the Business Software Alliance (BSA)
Award for Best Website for information and services, 1429H (2009)
Riyadh website, developed by RDA, was selected by the Internet Awards Academy in the Arab Region in 2009 for the second place for Best Website for information and services. The Awards are given to the best websites that are informative, convenient, and easy to access.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Prize for the Best Environmental Activities, 1428H (2008)
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) received the Gulf Cooperation Council Award for Best Environmental Activities in its sixth session, which revolves around environmental awareness in educational and electronic programs, exhibitions and workshops. The award, organized by the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, is based on a criteria, including awareness programs and the achievement of their objectives, the responsiveness of the population and their interaction and contribution to these programs, the educational and scientific levels of the program and the diversity of environmental aspects and their orientation at different levels.
Planning
Developing a comprehensive plan for water reuse in Wadi Hanifa.
Planning
Creating Al-Thumama Urban Tourism Plan.
The International Award for Liveable Communities, 1427H (2007)
The King Abdulaziz Historical Center won first place and the Golden Award in the category of urban projects at the International Award for Liveable Communities in London, Britain. The jury chose the center for upholding the principles of heritage preservation and the commission's endeavor to protect the heritage for current and future generations.
Award of the Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities, 1427H (2007)
Al-Maddy Mosque project in the King Abdulaziz Historical Center won the first prize for the Organization of Islamic Capitals and Cities at its seventh session held in the Turkish capital. Al-Maddy Mosque, located on King Faisal Road in the eastern part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in the Al-Murabba neighborhood in the center of Riyadh, is considered one of the first architectural facilities in the Kingdom in which modern technologies were applied using local clay materials (pressed clay).
The International Award for Liveable Communities, 1427H (2007)
The Environmental Rehabilitation Program of Wadi Hanifa won second place and the gold award for the International Award for Vital Communities in London, Britain, for its creativity and pioneering leadership to improve the quality of life of residents.
The International Award for Liveable Communities, 1427H (2007)
Within the Global Award of Liveable Communities, Salam Park was given the Bronze Award for Environmental and Recreational Projects. The judges cited the project's commitment to promote local landscapes and provide a setting that would be a source of pride for recreational experiences as a reason for the project's success in meeting the quality criteria of landscaping. This combines constructed and natural aesthetic elements with the preservation of ecologically significant locations, natural heritage, biodiversity, and plant cultivation in more challenging environments.
Planning
Preparing the Executive Plan for Environmental Protection in Riyadh city, which features 50 environmental programs covering several axes, including pollution, waste, water resources, natural resources, open areas, wildlife, and environmental management.
Prince Sultan Bin Salman Award for Architectural Heritage, 1427H (2006)
King Abdulaziz Historical Center received this award because it was built on a historic site that was the axis of Riyadh’s development and the base for modern Saudi Arabia and also because it focused on underlining the Kingdom’s status and position as being the Cradle of Islam.
Culture, Art & Entertainment
Development of Al-Watan Park at King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
Urban Development
Completing the Sheikh Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Asheikh Mosque, Souq Al-Zall, and Dukhnah Square Development Project at Qasr Al-Hukm District.
King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussain Award for Innovation, 1424H (2004)
The King Abdulaziz Historical Center received this award during the celebration of the Arab city and its architectural projects. The jury of the Award chose the Center under the theme of the role of the Arab city in preserving heritage. The Center was selected as the winner out of 182 projects representing 12 Arab countries competing for the Award.
Washington Water Center Award, 1423H (2003)
The comprehensive plan for the development of Wadi Hanifa won the interest and admiration of global experts and specialists, which qualified it to obtain the Water Center Award in Washington, USA, as the best plan for developing water resources in the world among 75 projects submitted by 21 countries. This scheme was presented at the annual conference of the Water Center in Montreal, Canada. The arbitration committee, composed of experts representing various countries of the world, considered this project as a pioneering initiative and a global project setting new standards.
Environment & Sustainability
Implementation of Salam Park project (over a total area of 312,000 m2). The project houses a large artificial lake with an area of 33,000m2.
Planning
Creating the Metropolitan Development Strategy for Riyadh City.
Environment & Sustainability
Execution of the first phase of the Development Program of Al-Thumamah Region.
Book of the Best Squares in the World, 1422H (2002)
In 2002, the Danish Architects Association recognized the squares of the Qasr Al-Hukam area as one of the best squares in the world. The squares were featured in a book published by the association under the title 'New Squares of Cities', which included 39 famous landmarks in nine cities in Europe and the United States, except for the squares at Qasr Al-Hukm. The Association noted that the squares at Qasr Al-Hukm area achieved the highest degree of synergy between religious, cultural, commercial, and administrative functions and adopted modern urban designs that preserved the region’s originality, heritage, and local character.
Planning
Preparing Wadi Hanifa Development Plan.
Planning
Creating the Base digital map for Riyadh City.
The Award of the Arab Ministers of Housing and Construction, 1420H (2000)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Staff Housing Complex was selected for the Award of the Arab Ministers of Housing and Construction. The Award acknowledged the unique design of the complex and its successful demonstration of the cultural and environmental characteristics of its urban structure. The complex also preserves the privacy of its residents by mixing environmental profiles and providing modern facilities essential for a sustainable and prosperous residential community. The complex was planned and built to accommodate ministry staff and families. The complex is located in Al-Mohamadeyah neighborhood in the northern part of Riyadh and extends over an area of 390,000m2. It incorporates a comprehensive network of services that includes a mosque, a commercial center, an educational complex, recreational clubs for men and women, and a public park. The project was designed for 3,600 residents accommodated in 612 housing units. These comprise of detached and semi-detached villas and apartment buildings with residential units of different sizes. The size and style of units vary according to the professional positions of the ministry staff. There are 13 different architectural designs of housing units in the complex.
Urban Development
Establishment of the High Court Building, as part of the Qasr Al-Hukm District Development Program.
Urban Development
Implementation of the Historical Diriyah Development Program.
Aga Khan Award for Architecture, 1419H (1998)
Tuwaiq Palace, one of the most prominent cultural and social architectural landmarks in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in Granada, Spain. The award committee recognized the design for achieving an exceptional level of harmony between the palace’s built form, its setting, and the overarching oasis concept. The committee also noted the way the design thoughtfully brings together the key elements of an oasis - including pathways, terraces, and caves - within a sweeping undulating outer wall, while three interconnected tent-like structures extend outward from the complex.
Urban Development
Execution of King Abdulaziz Historical Center in the Al-Murabba District (covering an area of 360,000 square meters) to mark the 100th anniversary of the foundation of KSA.
Aga Khan Award for Architecture, 1415H (1995)
The Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Mosque Project won the Aga Khan International Architecture Award in Solo City, Indonesia. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City renovated the mosque as part of the development program of Qasr Al-Hukm District. The award committee commended the innovative design of the project its distinctive Najdi style architecture in harmony with its surroundings. The development of Qasr Al Hukm District included an ambitious plan to restore its character as the beating heart of Riyadh and to transform it as a cultural attraction.
Planning
Preparing a comprehensive Strategy for the development of Wadi Hanifa.
Urban Development
Execution of the second phase of the Qasr Al-Hukm District Development Program, which included Prince Turki Bin Abdullah Mosque, Qasr Al-Hukm Palace, Al-Adl Square, Safat Square, Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Square, Al-Masmak Square, Al-Thumairi Gate, Dukhnah Gate, Deira Tower, parts of old city walls, as well as Al-Muaiqliyah Commercial Center.
Arab Cities Award for Architecture, 1410H (1990)
The Diplomatic Quarter won the Arab Cities Award for Architecture. The Award by the Arab Cities Organization recognized the Diplomatic Quarter as being “the best architectural project built in an Arab city in a style that reinforces the credibility of Islamic Arab architecture and its growth and development values. The architecture of the Diplomatic Quarter reflects the traditional architecture of Saudi Arabia that is in harmony with the environment of the region and provides open spaces and elegant landscaping. The natural environment has been used to isolate it from traffic pollution and noise."
Transport
Development of the central section of the King Fahd Road, extending over 5.1 km from Al-Maather Street to Asir Street.
Aga Khan Award for Architecture, 1409H (1989)
The Award committee considered the Diplomatic Quarter a “densely populated, modern governmental district that successfully and effectively accommodates many embassies, consulates, and various types of related buildings in addition to providing general plazas and gated recreational parks to the citizens of Riyadh”. The committee recognized that the design of the Diplomatic Quarter has been made environmentally sustainable by planting trees, shrubs, and grasses in the area and landscaping of the immediate rocky desert surroundings. As a result, the committee found the project to be realistic, highly innovative, and self-sustaining in an arid environment.
Aga Khan Award for Architecture, 1410H (1989)
The jury of the Award hailed Al-Kindi Plaza: “Located between the two main roads that divide the Diplomatic Quarter into two almost equal parts. The adjacent buildings along the sides of the roads have been designed and built according to the style of horizontal extension, separated by entrances and open spaces.” The jury recognized Al-Kindi Plaza as “a model that can be imitated and adopted by other Arab and Muslim societies in designing and building their cities.” The jury added: “This style preserves, in an attractive manner, the traditional link between the mosque and other public spaces.” The jury considered Al-Kindi Plaza as representing a standard to be copied by the cities of the Arab and Islamic world.
Environment & Sustainability
Adoption of program to control the problem of high groundwater levels in Riyadh
Research & Studies
Conduction of the first land-use study in Riyadh city.
Environment & Sustainability
Issuance of regulations and procedures to stop Wadi Hanifah environmental deterioration.
Urban Development
Completion of the First phase of the Qasr Al-Hukm District Development Program.
Planning
Development of the Urban Information System for Riyadh City.
Urban Development
Development of the housing complex for the employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.