Riyadh To Welcome Al-Urubah Park: A Leap Towards Sustainability And Recreation

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has recently initiated the construction of Al-Urubah Park, set to be among the largest green spaces within Riyadh. This development is a key component of the "Green Riyadh" initiative, aiming to enhance the city's sustainability and livability. Spanning an impressive 754,000 square meters, Al-Urubah Park's strategic location at the crossroads of Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road and Al Urubah Road ensures easy accessibility for city dwellers from various sectors.

The park is designed to elevate the quality of life for both residents and visitors by offering a multitude of recreational spaces. Its establishment is a step towards transforming Riyadh into a leading sustainable city globally. The design of Al-Urubah Park, chosen from a competitive field of six international entries, adheres to international standards and aims for environmental sustainability. A notable feature is a 3-kilometer-long panoramic path, elevated 12 meters, offering expansive views of Riyadh's landmarks. The integration of modern technology allows for an augmented reality experience, blending nature with innovation.

With plans to plant over 600,000 trees and shrubs, the park will see greenery covering 65% of its expanse. The inclusion of permanent water bodies and the Al Laysan Valley enhances the park's natural appeal. Facilities within the park cater to a wide audience, featuring a 14 km walking trail, green terraces, open spaces, and venues for events and sports activities suitable for all ages.

The Green Riyadh Program encompasses a broad strategy to greenify the city. This includes planting in residential areas, developing parks, streets, sidewalks, and enhancing the greenery around mosques, schools, valleys, main roads, and public buildings. An extensive irrigation network spanning 1,350 km supports this green infrastructure. Additionally, Green Riyadh Nurseries are set to produce 3 million trees, shrubs, and ground covers annually to meet the city's planting needs.

This ambitious greening initiative aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030's objective to plant 10 billion trees across the Kingdom. Specifically, in Riyadh, the goal is to plant 7.5 million trees, aiming to increase vegetation cover to 9% and boost per capita green space from 1.7 square meters to an impressive 28 square meters. This would mark a sixteenfold increase from current levels. The program not only aims to beautify the city but also to lower temperatures and improve air quality by reducing pollution and dust levels.

Through these efforts, Riyadh is on track to enhance its standing as one of the most livable cities globally. The "Green Riyadh" program demonstrates a significant commitment to environmental sustainability and quality of life improvements for its residents.

With inputs from SPA