Dissertation_Dr Faisal Almubarak

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emphasis on modern industry mirrored the government's interest in minimizing the national
economy dependence on oil exportation through the diversification of the economy.
The third plan (1980-1985) and the fourth plans were essentially a continuation of the
second plan. They aimed at accelerating the construction of the physical infrastructure to
attain the major goal of a diversified economy, less dependent on the precarious, fluctuating
world demand for crude oil. Its emphasis on agricultural self-sufficiency in selected crops
such as wheat and foodstuffs including poultry and diary had a profound impact on the
national urban network by slowing the otherwise mass migration to the major urban
centers. The fourth five-year plan (1985-1990), however, channeled a larger proportion of
expenditures on health, education and training programs to achieve a professional, skilled
manpower.
C. Comprehensive, Urban, Regional and Rural Planning
Finally, the process of urban planning has been extended to include regional
development plans for Hail, Tabuk, Makkah, Qassim, Baha, A1 Qatif, Jazan and Alhasa.
This time it attempted to bring the boundaries conterminous with the administrative
boundaries of the emirates (regions' governed an amir who is now nominated by the
Minister of Interior) to prevent overlapping between jurisdictions which caused several
conflicts and delays. Upon completion, the Kingdom's various regions will be covered.
"When completed, the regional plans will serve as coordinating tools at the emirate level
where most development decisions are taken." The plans will also be used for vital
information upon which future budgetary programming and intra-regional decisions are
supposed to be based and coordinated. 56 Unlike the "prototypical" models of the
municipal subdivisions and previous master plans, based on previous experience, the
DMTP's staff were able to ratify some local architecture and urban land patterns such as the
easing of zoning regulations to allow for the rural way of life, courtyard houses, narrow
and deep lots which are sought for economical development.
D. New Towns Built By the Government For Industrial Purposes
Until recently, the government has followed two approaches to industrial
development which had direct impact on the formation of the contemporary built
environment. The first attempts to impose zoning laws, building codes and growth
controls, stemmed from the government's knowledge - that is the municipality- of the need