Construction Begins on King Abdulaziz Park, a Green Riyadh Landmark

Riyadh’s skyline is set to dramatically change as construction kicked off on King Abdulaziz Park, a cornerstone of the ambitious Green Riyadh initiative, said the Royal Commission for Riyadh City in a statement on Wednesday.

The project was greenlit by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud following a proposal by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who also chairs the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

The park will feature six distinct botanical zones, including a 200,000-square-meter botanical garden showcasing over 200 native plant species. (SPA)

Spanning an impressive 4.3 million square meters and slated for completion in three years, the park will be a verdant oasis north of the capital, bordered by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Road, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Road, Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen Road, and Anas bin Malik Road.

Its strategic location near King Khalid International Airport and Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University, coupled with excellent public transport links, ensures easy accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

The park will be a verdant oasis north of the capital, bordered by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Road, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Road, Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen Road, and Anas bin Malik Road. (SPA)

A global design competition yielded a winning concept that harmoniously blended with the local environment. The park will feature six distinct botanical zones, including a 200,000-square-meter botanical garden showcasing over 200 native plant species. Other areas will recreate highland, plain, plateau, and desert landscapes, fostering biodiversity and creating a haven for wildlife.

More than two million trees and shrubs carefully selected for Riyadh’s climate will be planted to achieve the ambitious target of 65% shade coverage. The park’s irrigation system will utilize recycled water, minimizing environmental impact.

Beyond its ecological benefits, King Abdulaziz Park will be a vibrant community hub. It will boast 24 children’s play areas, 30 sports facilities, and over 115 kilometers of pedestrian, jogging, and cycling paths, encouraging residents to live healthier lifestyles. Green terraces, squares, and open-air theaters will host events and festivals, while restaurants and shops will cater to visitors.

As a flagship project of the Saudi Green Initiative, King Abdulaziz Park is a significant step towards realizing Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of planting 10 billion trees nationwide. By increasing Riyadh’s green spaces to 9% and the per capita green space to 28 square meters, the park will help mitigate climate change, improve air quality, and boost the city’s global standing as a desirable place to live.

Two occupants of a fishing vessel are safe Tuesday after a whale surfaced under their boat, capsizing it off the New Hampshire shore, according to the US Coast Guard.

The incident occurred Tuesday near Odiorne Point State Park. The Coast Guard posted to X that they had received a mayday call stating that a 23-foot center console boat had turned over because of a whale breach, The AP reported.

“The occupants were ejected from the vessel as the boat capsized,” the Coast Guard posted, adding that an urgent marine information broadcast was issued and the Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor was alerted.

“A good Samaritan recovered both individuals from the water. No injuries were reported,” the Coast Guard posted.

The boat crew from Station Portsmouth reported that the whale appeared not to be injured. The incident was reported to the Center of Coastal Studies Marine Animal Hotline and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The vessel has also been salvaged.

Construction Begins on King Abdulaziz Park, a Green Riyadh Landmark