Riverfront development blends water into urban landscapes, spanning townships, neighborhoods, and commercial zones near water bodies. It's anchored by four pillars: heritage preservation, functionality enhancement, social well-being promotion, and aesthetic appeal. Regulatory compliance, entrepreneurship encouragement, funding procurement, and historical context preservation are pivotal. Since the 1960s, urban waterfront revitalization has surged, bridging public-private and commercial-residential sectors.Waterfronts are vital connectors for public-private, business, and residential sectors, serving as hubs for tourism and recreation, linking commercial and residential zones.This study explores riverfront development's potential to revitalize urban areas, creating vibrant public spaces and stimulating local economies. Success relies on stakeholder understanding, avoiding past pitfalls, and addressing various factors. The study proposes a global review, focusing on design and planning, identifying success factors, addressing challenges, and formulating guidelines guided by a comprehensive development framework.