Extensive building programmes were undertaken for the benefit of the community as well as for the ruling elite. Cities such as Amman had a palatial complex, a mosque, a marketplace and a water reservoir, and thus served the government and the administration of the country in addition to the needs of the community. Vitally important infrastructure such as dams, cisterns and water reservoirs were constructed and bridges were erected.
Architectural patronage was taken a step further; entire cities and towns were constructed, for instance palatial and administrative complexes in Jerusalem and Amman (Jordan), where the palace and the Congregational Mosque were both given a central position and built side by side.