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Saudi urbanization since the late 1950’s been extremely rapid, strongly polarized towards, and excessively concentrated in a few large cities. This paper examines some aspects of urban development process in Saudi Arabia. It analyzes the determinants and pace of urban growth. It also examines the national settlement pattern and its implications on the country’s socio-economic development, particularly from a long-term perspective. It is argued that a polarized and imbalance urban development pattern is inconsistent with, and probably inconducive to achieve important national development goals.

This paper demonstrates the need for a national urbanization policy, and also sketches out an urban development strategy.