TITLE:
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Urban Design Land Subdivision in Riyadh: A Case Study
AUTHORS:
Ziyad H. Alwadai, Majed Mustafa Hallawani, Abdullah M. Alabed, Abdulaziz Mohammed Alhassan
KEYWORDS:
Artificial Intelligence, Urban Design, Land Subdivision, Riyadh
JOURNAL NAME:
Current Urban Studies,
Vol.14 No.2,
May
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in urban design processes related to land subdivision in Riyadh. It places this within the broader context of digital transformation and the increasing complexity of regulations. The research mainly focuses on two issues: first, the limited understanding of AI's current use in urban design and land subdivision, including identifying existing applications, comparing them with traditional methods, and documenting practices in Riyadh; second, the absence of a clear framework to effectively combine traditional procedures with AI tools within Riyadh’s institutional setting. The study uses a descriptive-analytical approach that combines a review of existing literature with field-based data collection. The empirical part depends on semi-structured interviews with institutional actors involved in land subdivision in Riyadh. A three-point Likert scale serves as a descriptive tool to indicate the level of AI integration across various stages of subdivision. Findings show that land subdivision methods remain mostly traditional, with limited systematic use of AI tools. The study recommends practical guidelines to better combine professional expertise with AI technologies to enhance the efficiency and quality of urban design results in Riyadh.