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Riyadh: The population of Riyadh will reach 7.2 million in 2025, according to an official study released by the Higher Authority for the Development of Riyadh.
Saudis will represent 74 per cent of that total population, the study said. Those under 25 years are estimated at 52 per cent, it added.
According to the Authority, a government agency, the present population of Riyadh is 4,260,000 with Saudis representing 65 per cent. The study explained that there is a decrease in the number of people moving from rural areas to the capital.
Currently, 33,000 people move to Riyadh annually while in the past the average was 75,000, the study said, adding that 73 per cent of those moving to the capital look for jobs.
The study noted that Riyadh is the fastest growing urban centre in the world. It indicated the city's population had increased by more than 200 times and its area by more than 1,000 times since 1930.
The study pointed out that the population growth would require additional focus on social and economic aspects.
It recommends studies on the negative impacts of the growth, adding that such studies will help planners and decision-makers to adopt effective programmes to meet set objectives.
Looking ahead: Demand for jobs
- According to the study, 760,000 new jobs, or 42,000 new jobs annually, should be created by 2025.
- By 2025, the city will need 495,000 new housing units.
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