عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Sports

1st Phase of the Sports Boulevard Project in Riyadh Opens with Five Key Destinations

 The opening of the first phase of the Sports Boulevard project marks a major milestone for Riyadh - SPA
 The opening of the first phase of the Sports Boulevard project marks a major milestone for Riyadh - SPA
TT
TT

1st Phase of the Sports Boulevard Project in Riyadh Opens with Five Key Destinations

 The opening of the first phase of the Sports Boulevard project marks a major milestone for Riyadh - SPA
 The opening of the first phase of the Sports Boulevard project marks a major milestone for Riyadh - SPA

The Board of Directors of the Sports Boulevard Foundation, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has announced the opening of the first phase of the Sports Boulevard project in Riyadh. This milestone includes five key destinations: Wadi Hanifah, the Promenade, the section at the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road, the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University internal loop and the first phase of Sands Sports Park. With this, the total completed length of the project now stands at 83 km, with an overall progress reaching 40%, SPA reported.
The opening of the first phase of the Sports Boulevard project marks a major milestone for Riyadh, as part of the city’s transformative developments. Launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz on March 19, 2019, the project continues to receive the dedicated attention and support of the Crown Prince.
Designed to enhance Riyadh’s global ranking, the Sports Boulevard aims to position the city among the world’s most livable destinations. It plays a key role in advancing Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting physical, mental, and social well-being, and fostering a vibrant community where residents and visitors can enjoy a high quality of life, a healthy lifestyle, and an inviting environment.
This opening is part of the foundation’s mission to establish an innovative and sustainable urban renaissance along the environmental artery that connects Riyadh from the west to the east. This transformative initiative empowers residents and visitors to actively engage in a wide range of sports while enhancing their quality of life by encouraging a more active and dynamic lifestyle.
The first completed destination of the project is Wadi Hanifah, situated in western Riyadh. Spanning 13.4 km, it extends from Al-Olab Dam in the north to Jeddah Road in the south, passing through the Diriyah Gate project. It features pedestrian pathways, cycling and equestrian trails, green spaces, and designated rest areas. Seamlessly connecting Wadi Hanifah to the Promenade is the Cycling Bridge, one of the project’s most iconic landmarks, located at the intersection of King Khalid Road and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road. The bridge is designed with two independent pathways: a 1 km pedestrian path and a 771-meter cycling path. Designed to enhance safe and sustainable mobility, it allows visitors to move effortlessly between Diriyah and the Promenade along Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road.
The Promenade stretches 4 km and adheres to the Sports Boulevard’s urban design code, inspired by the principles of Salmani architecture. It offers dedicated cycling paths for both professionals and amateurs, complemented by rest stops for cyclists, lush green spaces, water features, walking trails, children’s playgrounds, and a selection of retail outlets and specialized centers for bicycle rentals and accessories.
Spanning 300 meters, the area at the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road features the Arts Tower—a striking installation inspired by the high-voltage electricity towers that once lined Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road. With its colorful geometric panels, the tower interacts with sunlight to create mesmerizing reflections, making it a distinctive landmark and a key focal point for visitors.
The project also features a 20 km internal loop track at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, designed with dedicated cycling and pedestrian pathways that seamlessly connect the university’s facilities, enhancing accessibility for students, staff, and members of the public.
The Sands Sports Park, the fifth completed destination in the first phase of the project, is located southeast of King Khalid International Airport. Designed for both professionals and amateurs, it features dedicated cycling paths, mountain bike trails, and BMX tracks, alongside scenic hiking and equestrian trails. At the heart of the park lies the Najdi Flower, a signature cycling route for professionals, stretching over 45 km. As part of its development, more than 350,000 square meters of sand dunes have been rehabilitated to enhance the natural landscape. The park also offers retail outlets and specialized centers for bicycle rentals and accessories. Future phases will introduce additional sports facilities and buildings, further elevating the visitor experience.
The five destinations of the Sports Boulevard project will be open to visitors starting tomorrow, February 27, 2025. For more details about these destinations and how to access them, please visit the Sports Boulevard website at www.SportsBoulevard.sa.
The Sports Boulevard Foundation previously opened the Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road Underpass to improve traffic flow and enhance mobility in Riyadh. Construction is ongoing across the remaining project destinations, including the destinations located after the Promenade, the Urban Wadi Destination, the King Abdulaziz Road Underpass and the Abi Bakr Al-Siddiq Road Underpass. These developments are progressing in line with the approved project schedule.

Most Viewed

 
 
Sports

AFC Says Has Received No Notification from Iran on World Cup Withdrawal

A soccer field stands empty at Kino Sports Complex, where the Iranian men’s soccer team is scheduled to practice for the FIFA World Cup, in Tucson, Arizona, US, March 4, 2026. REUTERS/Rebecca Noble
A soccer field stands empty at Kino Sports Complex, where the Iranian men’s soccer team is scheduled to practice for the FIFA World Cup, in Tucson, Arizona, US, March 4, 2026. REUTERS/Rebecca Noble
TT
TT

AFC Says Has Received No Notification from Iran on World Cup Withdrawal

A soccer field stands empty at Kino Sports Complex, where the Iranian men’s soccer team is scheduled to practice for the FIFA World Cup, in Tucson, Arizona, US, March 4, 2026. REUTERS/Rebecca Noble
A soccer field stands empty at Kino Sports Complex, where the Iranian men’s soccer team is scheduled to practice for the FIFA World Cup, in Tucson, Arizona, US, March 4, 2026. REUTERS/Rebecca Noble

The Asian Football Confederation said on Monday it has not received any notification from Iran that it will withdraw its national soccer team from the World Cup.

Iran have qualified for the 48-team tournament to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 and are scheduled to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

Iran's sports minister has said it was impossible for the ⁠players to participate ⁠in the tournament after the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel against Tehran, killing the supreme leader.

US President Donald Trump said last week Iran was welcome to participate in the World Cup but that he ⁠believed it was not appropriate that they be there "for their own life and safety".

"It's a very emotional moment. Everybody's saying a lot of things," AFC General Secretary Windsor John told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

"At the end of the day, it's the federation who should decide if they're playing, and as of today, the federation has told us that they are going ⁠to ⁠the World Cup.

"They are our member, we want them to play. You know, they qualified ... so we hope that they will solve their issues, whatever it is, and be able to participate,” Reuters quoted John as saying.

An official withdrawal by Iran from soccer's global showpiece would be the first in the modern era and leave FIFA with the urgent task of finding a replacement.
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19.
 

Sports

Rooney: Let Arsenal Youngster Dowman Enjoy the Moment

Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Everton - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - March 14, 2026 Arsenal's Max Dowman celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Everton - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - March 14, 2026 Arsenal's Max Dowman celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
TT
TT

Rooney: Let Arsenal Youngster Dowman Enjoy the Moment

Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Everton - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - March 14, 2026 Arsenal's Max Dowman celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Everton - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - March 14, 2026 Arsenal's Max Dowman celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney said Arsenal's Max Dowman should be allowed to enjoy his achievement after becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history during Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton.

Dowman, 16 years and 73 days old, set the record after scoring with virtually the last kick of the match at Emirates Stadium, running more than half the length of the pitch ⁠to slot home.

While ⁠Arsenal will try to make sure the youngster keeps his feet on the ground, it was important Dowman be given room to grow, said Rooney, who scored for Everton against Arsenal in ⁠2002 at the age of 16 years and 360 days.

"Let him enjoy it and go and express himself," the former England forward said on BBC's 'The Wayne Rooney Show'.

"Mikel Arteta, some of the senior players in the Arsenal squad, will not let him get ahead of himself. But I think you have to enjoy it as ⁠well.

"So ⁠when we've got a young lad like that coming through as a 16-year-old, he's clearly got a lot of ability and you just hope he can go and fulfil that potential,” Reuters quoted Rooney as saying.

Arsenal, who are top of the league with 70 points from 31 matches, next face Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday in the second leg of their Champions League tie.

Sports

5 Women Rejoin Iranian Soccer Squad in Malaysia after Abandoning Australia Asylum

Members of Iran's women's football team arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on March 16, 2026, after staying in a hotel in the Malaysian capital while awaiting the next leg of their journey home. (Photo by MOHD RASFAN / AFP)
Members of Iran's women's football team arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on March 16, 2026, after staying in a hotel in the Malaysian capital while awaiting the next leg of their journey home. (Photo by MOHD RASFAN / AFP)
TT
TT

5 Women Rejoin Iranian Soccer Squad in Malaysia after Abandoning Australia Asylum

Members of Iran's women's football team arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on March 16, 2026, after staying in a hotel in the Malaysian capital while awaiting the next leg of their journey home. (Photo by MOHD RASFAN / AFP)
Members of Iran's women's football team arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on March 16, 2026, after staying in a hotel in the Malaysian capital while awaiting the next leg of their journey home. (Photo by MOHD RASFAN / AFP)

The Iranian women’s soccer team had yet to reveal plans to leave Malaysia after most of the seven squad members who created a diplomatic furor by accepting asylum in Australia a week ago have rejoined their teammates in Kuala Lumpur, a sport official said Monday.

The squad flew from Sydney on March 10 after being knocked out of the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, leaving behind six players and a support staff member who had accepted protection visas.

Four players and the staffer have since rejoined the team in Kuala Lumpur, the latest flying in on Monday. No reasons have been given for the changes of heart, but the Iranian diaspora in Australia blames pressure from Tehran, The Associated Press reported.

The team is being supported in Kuala Lumpur by the Asian Football Confederation. The confederation’s general secretary, Windsor Paul John, said the team was waiting in Malaysia's largest city to make flight connections to their war-torn homeland.

“It could be today, tomorrow or next week,” Windsor told reporters in Kuala Lumpur. “We are just waiting for them to tell us their plans.”

Windsor said his confederation had not received any direct complaints from players about returning home, despite media reports their families in Iran could face retaliation for the team failing to sing their national anthem before the opening match.

“We couldn’t verify anything. We asked them and they said, ‘No, it’s ok,’” he said. “They are actually in high spirits... they didn’t look afraid.”

Iranian authorities have welcomed the women's decisions to reject asylum as a victory against Australia and US President Donald Trump.

Iran’s squad had arrived in Australia for the tournament shortly before the war in the Middle East began on Feb. 28, complicating travel arrangements.

Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite described the women's plight in Australia as a “very complex situation.”

“These are deeply personal decisions, and the government respects the decisions of those that have chosen to return. And we continue to offer support to the two that are remaining,” Thistlethwaite said.

Those who stayed in Australia have been moved to an undisclosed safe location and are receiving assistance from the government and the Iranian diaspora community, he said.

Kylie Moore-Gilbert, a political scientist at Sydney's Macquarie University who spent more than two years in Iranian prisons on spying charges from 2018 to 2020, said “winning the propaganda war” had overshadowed the women's welfare.

“The high stakes made the Iranian regime sit up and pay attention and try to force their hand in response, in my view,” Moore-Gilbert said.

"I do think in this case, had these woman quietly sought asylum without that publicity around them, it’s possible that the Islamic Republic officials might have, as they have in the cases of other Iranian sports people in the past who’ve defected ... simply allowed that to happen," she added.

Iran’s Tasnim News Agency said the players who left Australia were “returning to the warm embrace of their family and homeland,” describing their return as a failure of what it called an American-Australian political effort.

Concerns about the team’s safety in Iran heightened when the players didn’t sing the Iranian national anthem.

The Australian government was urged to help the women by Iranian groups in Australia and by Trump.

Some members of the Iranian diaspora in Australia have accused the support staffer who initially accepted asylum then left Australia on Saturday of spreading Iranian government propaganda to her teammates via text messages.

Thistlethwaite said there was no evidence to support the theory that the staffer had persuaded others to leave. All those who had remained in Australia after the team had left were “genuine asylum seekers,” he said.

The embassy in the national capital Canberra remains staffed, despite the Australian government expelling the ambassador last year.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cut off diplomatic relations with Iran in August after announcing that intelligence officials had concluded that the Revolutionary Guard had directed arson attacks on a Sydney kosher food company and Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue in 2024.

Australian-Iranian Society of Victoria vice president Kambiz Razmara said the women who accepted asylum had been under pressure from the Tehran regime.

“They’ve had to make decisions at the spur of the moment with very little information and they’ve had to react to the circumstance,” Razmara said. “I’m surprised that they’ve decided to go, but I’m actually not surprised because I appreciate the pressures that they’re experiencing."