As part of efforts to enhance environmental sustainability and achieve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, water network projects were launched in July 2023 within the “Green Riyadh” program.
This ambitious program aims to irrigate 7.5 million trees in the city of Riyadh, using water networks with a total length of 1,350 kilometers, to transport 1.7 million cubic meters of treated water per day.
These projects are part of a comprehensive strategy to achieve sustainable development and raise the quality of life in the Saudi capital.
Green Riyadh Program Objectives
The Green Riyadh Program aims to increase the vegetation cover in the city by planting millions of trees, which contributes to improving air quality and reducing environmental pollution.
Among the main objectives of the program:
Increasing green spaces: Raising the percentage of vegetation cover in Riyadh to 9.1% of the total area of the city.
Improving per capita green space: Increasing per capita green space from 1.7 square meters to 28 square meters, which is 16 times what it is now.
Enhancing sustainability: Using 100% treated water for irrigation purposes, which reduces dependence on fresh water and achieves water sustainability.
Water network project details
Main and sub-networks
Water network projects include the construction of main networks with diameters ranging between 1.2 and 2.4 meters, in addition to sub-networks covering all neighborhoods of Riyadh.
These networks are designed to meet the irrigation needs of the vast green spaces that will be created within the program.
Modern irrigation technologies
The projects rely on the latest technologies in the field of irrigation, including remote control and monitoring systems. These systems enable efficient management of water resources, ensuring their optimal use and reducing waste.
Advanced technologies are also used to accelerate implementation work without affecting traffic in the city.
Coordination between relevant authorities
A technical team consisting of representatives from government agencies and the private sector has been formed to coordinate efforts and accelerate project implementation.
This team includes the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the General Authority for Irrigation, and the National Water Company. This cooperation aims to overcome obstacles and ensure that projects are implemented according to the highest standards.
Major projects related to water networks
The water networks being implemented serve several major projects in Riyadh, including:
The Sports Track: A project that aims to provide green paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
King Salman Park: One of the largest urban parks in the world, which will be a major tourist and entertainment destination.
Diriyah: The Diriyah Gate Development Project, which aims to revive the historical heritage of the region.
Public Investment Fund projects: These projects include developing the city’s infrastructure and public facilities.
The role of Green Riyadh in achieving Vision 2030
The Green Riyadh Program is one of the four major projects launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
This program directly contributes to achieving the goals of the “Green Saudi Arabia” initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees in the Kingdom over the coming decades.
Conclusion
The water network projects within the Green Riyadh Program are a major step towards achieving environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life in the Saudi capital.
By using treated water and modern irrigation techniques, these projects contribute to enhancing the vegetation cover and achieving environmental balance, making Riyadh a model for sustainable green cities in the region and the world.
In July 2023, water network projects under the “Riyadh Green” program were launched to irrigate 7.5 million trees in Riyadh, using 1,350 km of networks to transport 1.7 million m³ daily of treated water. These projects aim to increase green cover and achieve sustainability, utilizing modern irrigation technologies and coordination between government and private entities, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and the “Saudi Green Initiative.”
