Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation, diversifying its economy, empowering its citizens, and opening its doors to welcome the international community. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is driving many initiatives to develop infrastructure to improve daily life, government services, business, healthcare, education, travel, leisure, and tourism.
One such ambitious project is Sports Boulevard in Riyadh, which will enable those living in or visiting Riyadh to get more active outdoors and enjoy sports and cultural events.
What is Riyadh Sports Boulevard?
The Sports Boulevard will be the world’s largest urban linear park, spanning 135 kilometers and connecting Riyadh’s main valleys from Wadi Hanifah in the west to Wadi Al Sulai in the east of Saudi Arabia’s capital city. The Boulevard will link more than 50 sites for sports and recreation, including world-class sports facilities. It will have arts and entertainment venues, including a theater and performing arts spaces, with restaurants, cafes, shops, and hotels built alongside the route. The Sports Boulevard has over 134 km of safe, green pathways for pedestrians throughout, as well as 220 km of cycling routes and nearly 100 km of horseback riding paths.
Sports Boulevard: https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/media-8.jpg
What are the Eight Zones of Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard?
1. Hanifah Valley Zone (Wadi Hanifah)
Hanifah Valley Zone: https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/en/projects/sports-boulevard-project
- Covering a distance of 20 km from Al Olab Dam in historical Diyriah to the north of Riyad to Jeddah Road in the south
- Beautiful landscape with shaded green areas
- Dedicated cycle routes for both professional and amateur cyclists
- Green pathways for pedestrians and horse riders
- Bike maintenance centre
- Cafes and retail outlets
2. Arts District
Arts District: https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/en/projects/sports-boulevard-project
- Extending over 3 km with pedestrian, cycling, and horse-riding paths, as well as sitting areas
- Cultural, art, and recreational facilities
- Museums, libraries, studios, art forums, conference halls and more
3. Entertainment District
- Covering a distance of 4 km between King Fahad Road (west) and Othman bin Affan Road
- State-of-the-art amphitheater, art exhibition areas, performance complex, and cinemas
- Events sites and interactive audio-visual shows
- Parks, gardens, and open spaces equipped with a cooling system for the summer season
4. Urban Wadi Zone
Urban Wadi Zone: https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/en/projects/sports-boulevard-project
- Covering a distance of 3.5 km alongside Al Aysen Valley, from Suwaid bin Harthah Road to King Fahad Road (west).
- Water canal, pedestrian pathways, bike paths, seating, and potential investment areas
- This zone will also connect to King Abdullah Financial District through an elevated road
5. Environmental Zone (Eco District)
- Stretching for 14 km, from Airport Road to Al Janadriyah Road, along the Al Sulai valley
- 40 km elevated route for professional cyclists, in addition to an at-grade track for amateur cycling
- Pedestrian and jogging tracks, connected to nearby neighborhoods.
- Educational centers on planting flowers, organic food, and environmental sustainability
- Residential complexes along with retail outlets, coffee shops and restaurants
- Nurseries for seed development, agricultural products, and organic food production
6. Athletics District
- Extending from Othman bin Affan Road to Airport Road
- Sports sites including 16 football pitches, 18 covered courts for basketball and tennis, 12 courts for volleyball, and a venue for skiing
- Iconic global sports tower
- Stadiums and training venues for golf, boxing, basketball, tennis, paddle, badminton, swimming, archery, ice hockey and more
- The lower floors of the tower will have a velodrome, including an underground cycle track
7. Al Sulai Valley Zone
- Located along Al Sulai Valley, from King Fahad Stadium to Binban Park, over a distance of 43 km
- Routes for professional cycling, horse riding, and green pedestrian pathways
- Coffee shops, retail outlets, and a bike maintenance center
- Picnic and camping areas
8. Red Sand Park (Sands Sports Park)
- South-east of King Khaled International Airport
- Leisure and recreational resort covering over 20,000 sq km
- Mountainous and sandy bike trails
- Horse riding track rack for horse riders
- Pedestrian pathways
- Art attractions
When Will The Sports Boulevard Open?
Work on Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard began in October 2021, and significant progress has already been made. Phased openings of the park are planned for 2024, with completion scheduled for 2029. The first publicly accessible elements of the development—The Cycling Bridge and Promenade—will be completed early in 2025.
How will Sports Boulevard benefit the population of Riyadh?
Sports Boulevard will play a major role in increasing the quality of life for those living in Saudi Arabia’s capital city. This new urban park will include over 4.4 million sq m of greenery and open spaces, which will contribute to cleaner air across the city by reducing carbon dioxide levels.
Residents and visitors will have increased access to a wide range of sports, leisure, and recreation facilities, encouraging healthy, active lifestyles. The project also offers many development and investment opportunities, benefiting Riyadh’s economy.
The Sports Boulevard will be within walking distance of 16% of Riyadh’s population and will have direct links to three major metro stations so that people can access its world-class state-of-the-art facilities without driving anywhere.
Sports Boulevard will enhance the wellbeing of Riyadh’s residents, boost tourism, and contribute to establishing Riyadh as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
For more information:
Royal Commission for Riyadh City—Sports Boulevard Project
Sports Boulevard
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