The present research focuses on the duality of extraterritoriality in its physical and digital manifestations, approaching how each space affects urban planning governance and cultural memory. This highlights that new layers of complication by digital technologies underpin a different kind of sovereignty and jurisdiction. Through a qualitative, interdisciplinary approach involving case studies of NEOM and Silicon Valley, this research examines how extraterritoriality’s physical and digital forms come together to reshape societal structures and collective memory. The case studies provide a lens for understanding how physical and digital extraterritoriality impacts urban environments, drawing on insights from urban studies, digital humanities, and cultural theory. Against this background, one importantly identifies crucial literature gaps, especially regarding digital extraterritoriality concerning local governance and socio-cultural dynamics. In these gaps, the study identifies valuable information on the evolution of extraterritoriality and their addressing of contemporary changing urban contexts, thus laying a foundation for possible further research into this critical area.

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is looking to enhance the quality of life in its cities by making the cities livable places. This study focuses on the changes that need to be made to the street design in Saudi Arabia to achieve the goals of the 2030 vision. This paper highlights the importance of aesthetics, accessibility, security and safety and walkability, which needs to be considered during street design. The analytical study uses examples from around the world of applying the basic principles of streetscape design in order to develop the streetscape approaches and recommendations in Saudi Arabia. The research emphasizes the importance of developing the urban environment visual image in the country to enhance the quality of life of both people and the city. Approaches include directing urban planners and designers to the important role of the well-designed streetscape and identifying methods of applying sustainability to streetscape design and making street pedestrian-oriented.

Public open spaces are essential for residents’ social interactions and recreational activities, improving well-being as well as offering economic and environmental benefits. Saudi Arabia is aiming to enhance the quality of life in all its cities through different national programs and projects. One of the key performance indicators is increasing public open space per capita from 3.47 to 3.9 m2 by 2020. This study measured the current public open space per inhabitant in Jeddah using a geographic information system (GIS) to identify the types of public open spaces that make up the per capita value in the city. Jeddah is located in a rapidly developing country, and it is a replanned city where the current status of public open spaces falls short of users’ expectations and does not meet international standards. This study suggests that the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and municipalities should adopt a systematic approach to tackling the spatial distribution of open spaces in Saudi cities. In addition, there is a need for the proactive involvement of planners, landscape architects, and designers in the planning process.