Green Riyadh's Urban Greening Efforts Reach Irqah Neighborhood

The "Green Riyadh" initiative has embarked on a significant environmental transformation in the Irqah neighborhood, marking the latest phase in its comprehensive urban greening campaign. This effort follows successful projects in seven other Riyadh neighborhoods, including Al-Aziziyah, Al-Naseem, Al-Jazeera, Al-Uraija, Qurtuba, Al-Ghadir, and Al-Nakheel. The initiative aims to enhance the city's green spaces significantly.

As part of the ongoing efforts to beautify and improve the urban environment, the project in Irqah will see the planting of 24,000 trees and shrubs. Additionally, the development includes the creation of parks across 39 neighborhoods, greening efforts for eight schools, 54 mosques, and four government buildings. This initiative also encompasses the beautification of 69 kilometers of streets. Such enhancements are designed to encourage walking, reduce healthcare costs, and cut energy consumption.

In a move to promote healthier lifestyles among residents, the project will introduce 3-kilometer-long bicycle and pedestrian paths. These paths will connect Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City with Wadi Hanifah, offering new recreational avenues for the community. Moreover, 38 buildings will undergo restoration using Salmani architecture, further enriching the area's cultural heritage. The initiative also plans to green 111 parking lots, integrating more natural elements into urban spaces.

An exhibition and several planting events are set to accompany the start of the greening works. These activities aim to engage the community by raising awareness about the benefits of urban greening. They also provide insights into the project's milestones, duration, and additional works. The exhibition is scheduled to be held near Prince Mishal bin Abdulaziz Mosque in the Irqah neighborhood from April 18 to 27, 2024.

The Green Riyadh program is one of four megaprojects initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and spearheaded by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This ambitious project seeks to plant over 7.5 million trees in Riyadh. It aims to increase green coverage in the city to 9.1% and boost per capita green space from 1.7 m² to an impressive 28 m². By doing so, it will play a crucial role in lowering Riyadh's temperature and enhancing air quality by reducing pollution and dust levels.

This extensive greening initiative aligns with the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030. These national strategies include ambitious goals such as planting 10 billion trees across Saudi Arabia in the coming decades. Through such comprehensive environmental projects, Saudi Arabia is making significant strides towards creating more sustainable and livable cities for its residents.

With inputs from SPA