Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Green Riyadh program has begun its greening efforts in the Irqah neighborhood as part of its ongoing initiative to enhance urban landscapes across Riyadh.

This initiative marks the continuation of a city-wide effort, with Irqah becoming the eighth neighborhood to be transformed, following Al-Aziziyah, Al-Naseem, Al-Jazeera, Al-Uraija, Qurtuba, Al-Ghadir, and Al-Nakheel.

Starting from April 18, 2024, the project in Irqah will involve the planting of 24,000 trees and shrubs.

It aims to beautify 39 neighborhoods, eight schools, 54 mosques, and four government buildings, while also enhancing 69 kilometers of streets.

The streets will be more pedestrian-friendly, encouraging walking and thereby reducing healthcare costs and energy usage.

The project also includes the construction of 3-kilometer-long bicycle and pedestrian paths connecting Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City with Wadi Hanifah.

Additionally, 38 buildings will undergo restoration using traditional Salmani architecture, and 111 parking lots will be revitalized with green spaces.

An accompanying exhibition and several planting events will educate and engage the community about the greening efforts.

These events will also provide information about the project's milestones, duration, and benefits.

The exhibition is scheduled near Prince Mishal Bin Abdulaziz Mosque in the Irqah neighborhood from April 18 to 27, 2024.

This initiative is part of the broader Green Riyadh project, one of four mega-projects launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, spearheaded by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman.

The project aims to plant over 7.5 million trees in Riyadh, boosting the city’s green coverage to 9.1% and increasing per capita green space to 28 square meters — 16 times the current level.

This effort is expected to lower urban temperatures, and enhance air quality by reducing pollution and dust.