Bridging policy and practice: urban design governance pathways for Vision 2030–driven energy sustainability in Riyadh

Introduction Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 (V2030) represents a comprehensive national transformation agenda that prioritizes sustainability, energy transition, and quality of life as core drivers of urban development. Riyadh, as the capital and primary engine of national growth, plays a critical role in translating these ambitions into planning and design practice. However, a persistent gap remains between policy objectives and practical implementation. Methods This study adopts a qualitative interpretive approach using the General Inductive Approach (GIA). Data were collected through open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with residents, urban professionals, and academics. Thematic analysis was applied to derive policy-relevant insights from stakeholder perspectives. Results Findings indicate that institutional fragmentation, outdated and prescriptive regulations, limited public awareness, and insufficient financial incentives are key barriers to energy-responsive urban design. In contrast, strong political commitment, large-scale Public Investment Fund (PIF) projects, and substantial national financial capacity act as major enabling factors supporting implementation. Discussion The study emphasizes the need for integrated governance frameworks linking policy, urban design, and energy planning. Bridging the policypractice gap requires coordinated institutional reform, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and performance-based regulatory approaches to achieve resilient, energy-efficient, and livable urban futures in Riyadh. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners in similar contexts globally.