The Role of Urban Planning in Abating the Threat of Terrorist Attacks on Public Places of Worship

This study examines the influence of the arrangement of roads, buildings, and land use on abating terrorist attacks. The study analyzes seven cases of terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia, which resulted in 61(86%), and 197(88%) of the total deaths and injuries recorded within the last three decades, respectively. It finds that urban design features aided the attacks and recommends redesigning entrances and approaches to places of worship, establishing buffer zones between them and parking lots, and ensuring unobstructed views along approach paths. Urban planning guidelines alongside other security measures can significantly reduce the risk of terrorist attacks in public places.