Green Riyadh project is one of the most ambitious urban forestation projects in the world. It is one of Riyadh’s Four Megaprojects launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, on 19 March 2019. The project will be a milestone that contributes to fulfilling a key goal of the Saudi Vision 2030 to promote Riyadh’s position among the world’s top 100 most livable cities.

Vision

The Green Riyadh project will contribute to increasing the per capita share of green space, and raise the total green spaces by planting trees around all city features and facilities as well as in all its provinces. All of the greenings will be watered by recycled water from an irrigation network. The greening initiative will lead to improved air quality and reduced temperatures in the city. As a consequence, this project will encourage Riyadh citizens to follow a healthy lifestyle which is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

 

Project Elements

Afforestation

• Planting 7.5 million trees across the capital as follows:
  • 3,330 neighborhood gardens
  • 43 parks
  • 9,000 mosques
  • 6,000 schools
  • 2,000 car parking sites
  • 1,670 public facilities
  • 390 healthcare facilities
  • 64 universities and collages
  • 16,400 kms of streets and roads
  • 1,100 kms green belts along utilities lines (power stations oil pipelines, etc.)
  • 272 kms valleys
  • 175,000 square kms of empty land

 

 

Large City Parks

The Green Riyadh Program features several large city parks, including Al-Urubah Park, Al-Munsiyah Park, Al-Rimmal Park, and Al-Qadisiyah Park. These parks are key components of the program, contributing to the city’s green infrastructure and enhancing the urban environment.

As for the three city parks in the neighborhoods of Al Munsiyah, Al Rimmal, and Al Qadisiyah, they span an area of 550,000 square meters.

The designs of the three city parks, situated in the eastern part of Riyadh, complement the natural landscape of Wadi Sulai and are seamlessly connected with the Sports Boulevard through green pedestrian streets and corridors. More than 585,000 trees and shrubs will be planted, covering 65% of the park’s area.

The parks will include 18 kilometers of walking trails, 8 kilometers of running tracks, 8.5 kilometers of cycling paths, and 22 children’s play areas designed to provide innovative educational experiences to raise environmental awareness. The parks will also feature green terraces, open spaces, and theaters for events and festivals. Additionally, sports facilities catering to various age groups will be available.

Tree species

About 72 native shade plant species compatible with Riyadh’s environment will be used for the project.

Key enablers

• A new water treatment network for irrigation with a daily capacity of 1,000,000 m3.
• A network of plant nurseries to provide the required seedlings and trees.
• Improved urban regulations to enhance afforestation in both public and private projects.
• Awareness initiatives to encourage voluntary engagement.

 

 

Project Benefits

• Reduce ambient temperature by 2 Celsius degrees during summer season
• Reduce temperatures by 8-15 Celsius degrees in selected intensively afforested locations across the city
• Improve the air quality by reducing CO2 concentration by 3-6%

• Reduce dust concentration in the air
• Reduce annual power consumption by 650 gigawatt/hour, through encouraging the principles of Green Building techniques that use green ceilings and walls
• Improve readiness for handling rainwater and minimize the flood hazards
• Improve urban landscape of Riyadh

• Encourage citizens of Riyadh to adopt a healthy lifestyle
• Preserve natural zones and improve the biological diversity
• Improve quality of life and promote Riyadh’s position among the world’s top livable cities.

• Yield about SAR 71 billion as ROI 2030, through less healthcare expenses, lower electricity consumption, higher real estate value and use of treated wastewater as a replacement for potable water for irrigation.
• Create new investment opportunities for the private sector in many sectors and businesses including: nurseries, horticultures works, afforestation, landscaping and irrigation.

• Contribute to fulfilling a key goal of the Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve environmental sustainability, build a vital community, and improve economic efficiency across the city sectors

• Achieve some of National Transformation Program goals, including: increasing the green spaces, reducing water waste, improving flood drainage network efficiency, and better utilization of treated wastewater.
• Achieve the goals of “Quality of Life program” by creating open areas for socializing, practicing and walking.

 

Green Riyadh Website