Saudi Arabia To Get A Massive Sports City With Walking, Cycling And Horse Riding Tracks
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive transformation and Riyadh seems to be taking the lead. The capital is currently gearing up for a massive Sports project called the Riyadh Sports Boulevard Project. One of the city's four visionary projects, this was inaugurated by King Salman Bin Abdulaziz on March 19, 2019.
Aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030 and its aspiration to elevate Riyadh to one of the world's top 100 cities, the project aims to promote a healthier lifestyle among the city's residents through exercise and engagement in diverse sporting activities.
Set to unveil within the next two months, here’s everything you need to know about the Sports Boulevard.
Developing A Future-Proofed City
The Sports Boulevard spans 135 kilometres, stretching across Riyadh from Hanifah Valley in the West to Al Salai Valley in the East. The boulevard features pedestrian pathways, dedicated routes for cyclists, horse riding paths, and allocated areas for various sporting activities, encouraging residents to embrace the outdoors. Among its features is a vast desert park covering 20 square kilometres, which will include event venues, a show piazza, outdoor museums, and movie theatres, promising family fun.
The boulevard is not all about sports. Every corner will be adorned with numerous landmarks and public art installations, enhancing Riyadh's cultural landscape and lifestyle. In addition, there will also be areas designated for investment zones, as well as recreational and commercial activities.
Once completed, the project is set to become the largest urban linear park globally, sprawling over 135km and integrating more than 50 sports facilities. It promises an unprecedented boost in greenery for Riyadh, and will significantly improve air quality by cutting down carbon dioxide levels.
Construction is advancing swiftly, with key features like The Cycling Bridge and Promenade set to open in early 2024. The project will also see the creation of a Global Sports Tower and a Sand Sports Park, among other developments, with phased openings scheduled between 2024 and 2029.
As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a prime destination for tourism and international sporting events, the Sports Boulevard is set to play a pivotal role in this narrative. This ambitious project aims to foster a healthier, more sustainable, and economically vibrant future for Riyadh and its residents. The societal and economic benefits anticipated from the Sports Boulevard—ranging from job creation to boosting tourism — underscore its potential to redefine urban living in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
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