Abstract
This study examines the urban expansion of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 2013 to 2023, focusing on growth dynamics through remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems. As one of the fastest-growing urban centers in the region, Jeddah has experienced significant changes in land use patterns, characterized by fluctuations in built-up areas, vacant lands, and green spaces. a descriptive-analytical method was used to investigate urban expansion from 2013 to 2023 through change detection analysis with ArcGIS Pro software, utilizing Landsat satellite images from the U.S. Geological Survey with a spatial resolution of 15 meters.
Results indicate that built-up areas increased from 432 km² in 2013 to 584 km² in 2020 but decreased to 507 km² by 2023 due to government-led demolition projects aimed at improving informal settlements. The findings reveal two distinct phases of urban development: rapid urbanization (2013-2020) followed by a strategic shift towards balanced growth (2020-2023). This study underscores the need for adaptive land-use policies and community engagement in urban planning to sustain Jeddah's growth while enhancing residents' quality of life and ecological health. The insights gained contribute to a broader understanding of urban dynamics in rapidly expanding cities, emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainability into urban development strategies.