The Impact of the Cityhood of Tabuk on Human Development

Abstract

The study analysed the impact of Tabuk’s transition to cityhood on various aspects of development, including economic, socio-cultural, political, and environmental dimensions. It sought to understand the demographic profile of respondents, encompassing age, gender, civil status, educational attainment, and employment status. It examined the city government’s demographic profile, including population, land area, income, and internal revenue allocation. The study evaluated the city government’s delivery of services and facilities and assessed the level of impact of Tabuk’s cityhood on economic, social, cultural, political, and environmental development. The research employed percentage analysis for respondents’ demographic profiles, documentary analysis for the city government’s profile, mean to gauge service and facility delivery, and regression to determine the cityhood’s impact on economic, social, cultural, political, and environmental development. Data collection primarily relied on questionnaires. Diverse groups, including business, agriculture, healthcare, education, professionals, transportation sectors, and community groups, participated in the survey. Key findings revealed that a significant proportion of respondents were under 24 years old, with the majority being female, married, and holding at least a bachelor’s degree. A substantial portion of degree holders reported unemployment. The Internal Revenue Allotment of Tabuk City exhibited substantial growth, and local income sustained growth. Population increased, and land area expanded. The study affirmed the city government’s effective provision of services and facilities, fostering socio-economic, political, cultural, and environmental development. Respondents’ demographic profiles, particularly age and employment status, significantly influenced service delivery. Moreover, service and facility delivery significantly predicted the city’s impact, particularly in infrastructure, tourism, low-cost housing, tourism promotion, and support for education, police, and fire services. Based on these findings, recommendations were made, such as crafting comprehensive communication plans, developing public-private partnerships, investing in green initiatives, promoting waste segregation, supporting entrepreneurship, initiating reforestation projects, creating a cemetery office, and establishing a gender and development office to enhance gender equality and inclusion. Keywords: Tabuk cityhood, human development, service delivery, demographic profile, impact assessment