Riyadh Embarks On Major Green Transformation With King Abdulaziz Park

Construction has commenced on King Abdulaziz Park, a major project in Riyadh. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) announced the start of this initiative, which is part of the Green Riyadh program and is set to be completed within 36 months. The park will span 4.3 million square meters and is named after King Abdulaziz under the direction of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

The design for the park was selected from proposals by four international firms, each offering sustainable and environmentally friendly concepts. The park will feature six themed gardens with diverse plant species and unique landscape designs. A central botanical garden will cover over 200,000 square meters, housing more than 200 local plant species.

Munsiyah tributary, a branch of Al Sulai valley, runs through the park for 11 kilometers, covering over 770,000 square meters within the botanical garden. The other five gardens will represent various Saudi landscapes such as highlands, lowlands, rangelands, meadows, and plateaus. These areas will include trees and shrubs that promote biodiversity and attract wildlife like birds and butterflies.

Approximately 65% of the park's area will be shaded by over two million trees and shrubs chosen for their adaptability to Riyadh's climate. Treated water will be used for irrigation to support the new vegetation sustainably. The park aims to create an urban oasis with environmental landmarks that attract both residents and tourists.

The park will offer numerous recreational spaces including 24 children’s play areas and 30 sports zones spread throughout its expanse. Shaded paths designed for walking, jogging, and cycling will extend over 115 kilometers, encouraging visitors to increase their daily steps to over 6,000. Additionally, green terraces, open spaces, theaters for events, restaurants, and commercial buildings with sustainable designs will be integrated into the landscape.

A panoramic path over two kilometers long will provide views of the botanical garden. The strategic location in northern Riyadh ensures easy access via major roads such as King Salman bin Abdulaziz Road to the north and Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Road to the west. Proximity to key sites like King Khalid International Airport and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University enhances its accessibility.

Green Riyadh Initiative

Green Riyadh has initiated several significant projects across the city including parks like Al-Urubah, Al Munsiyah, Al Rimmal, and Al Qadisiyah. These efforts also involve developing valleys and main roads such as King Salman Road and King Khalid Road. Greening works encompass neighborhoods, pedestrian streets, mosques, schools, parking lots, government buildings like ministries and universities.

The initiative includes developing a water network for irrigation spanning 1,350 km across Riyadh. Nurseries aim to produce three million trees annually to meet planting needs. Green Riyadh supports Saudi Vision 2030 by contributing to planting 10 billion trees nationwide. It aims to plant 7.5 million trees in Riyadh alone.

Impact on Environment

This megaproject seeks to increase Riyadh's green cover from 1.7 square meters per capita to 28 square meters per capita—16 times its current level—raising it to 9% of the city's total area. By reducing pollution and dust levels while lowering temperatures in the city, Green Riyadh aims to improve air quality significantly.

The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals by enhancing Riyadh’s global ranking as one of the most livable cities worldwide through increased green spaces and improved environmental conditions.

With inputs from SPA