Riyadh has launched a comprehensive municipal reform that abolishes its 16 sub-municipal offices, reorganizing city governance into five geographic sectors. This strategic overhaul aims to boost efficiency, enhance service quality, and meet the capital’s rapid growth and global ambitions, spearheaded by Mayor Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf.
Major structural changes in Riyadh’s municipal system
Riyadh’s government has officially dismantled all 16 local municipal offices as part of a bold new initiative called the Riyadh Municipal Transformation Program. The reform was introduced to better manage the city’s operations amid its fast-paced expansion and increasing role on the global stage.The city has now been segmented into five geographic sectors. Each sector is managed by a dedicated executive team, with a chief executive responsible for overseeing all municipal functions within that area. This new decentralized system is designed to streamline operations by shifting the bulk of service delivery to these sector teams.Meanwhile, the Riyadh Municipality’s central office will concentrate on strategic oversight, setting city-wide standards, and coordinating between sectors, ensuring alignment with the capital’s long-term vision.
Riyadh’s focus on customer service and community engagement
A key feature of the transformation is the introduction of “Madiniti” customer service hubs spread across Riyadh. These centers allow residents to access all municipal services, no matter where they live in the city—a significant improvement over the previous system where services were tied to specific district municipalities.Madiniti offices, supported by expanded digital platforms, provide a modern, resident-centered experience that encourages community involvement and faster municipal responses. The reform establishes a three-tier model:
- Strategic and supervisory roles managed by the main municipal agencies.
- Operational duties delegated to the five geographic sectors.
- Direct customer service and community engagement handled by Madiniti offices.
This approach ensures services are tailored to the unique needs of each neighborhood, improving the quality of life for Riyadh’s residents.
Riyadh’s vision for sustainable and efficient urban governance
The Riyadh Municipal Transformation Program also includes significant organizational, technical, and human resource reforms aimed at long-term sustainability. These enhancements, paired with workplace improvements, are designed to maintain high standards of city management.Authorities will monitor the system closely through detailed performance indicators and oversight mechanisms to ensure consistent progress and accountability.Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf emphasized that this transformation is a critical step in evolving Riyadh’s urban governance. It aims to support the city’s ambitious development plans, including numerous future projects and global events that require efficient, scalable municipal services.By empowering local sectors, focusing on community needs, and providing a seamless customer experience, Riyadh seeks to strengthen its position as a global capital and a hub for major international gatherings.
