Abstract
The rapid urban development that has occurred in the city of Riyadh resulted in multiple land use changes to meet the urban needs resulting from growth. This resulted in industrial use in areas with valuable natural environmental components. This research paper deals with the impact of industrial use on natural resources, using geographic information system technologies, in Al Masani' neighborhood in Riyadh. The paper aims to measure the extent and scope of the impact of industrial use on Wadi Hanifa and the agricultural lands located in the neighborhood, and to suggest recommendations that limit the industrial development negative effects on the neighborhood. This will protect and develop natural resources to serve the natural enviromnent in the city of Riyadh. The historical method was used by collecting historical information and data for the case study, the descriptive approach to describe the current situation of the Al Masani' neighborhood, and the comparative approach to compare the status of the neighborhood in different time periods using geographical information systems. The research also used field observation to obtain the primary data and collect the information needed to assess the state of the neighborhood and determine the types of industrial uses that exist, in addition to the use of GIS techniques. The research paper concluded that vacant lands were exploited by industrial use: the percentage of industrial use increased to 40% between 2006 and 2021, and the agricultural lands declined from 4.6 km(2) in 1985 to 2.2 km(2) in 2021. Finally, the paper recommends developing land management systems in accordance with the perspective of sustainability to reduce industrial uses that negatively and directly harm the natural environment. Further, it is recommended to increase the levels of observation by the municipality in order to prevent encroachment on natural resources within the city. The paper also recommends strengthening the partnership between the governmental, private sector, and community to invest resources in recreational areas and contribute to reducing the negative effects of industrial activities on natural resources.