King Salman Park : A masterpiece of the Saudi capital
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to inaugurate a unique architectural and environmental masterpiece as valley and terrain shaping work in King Salman Park nears completion.
This preliminary step precedes the largest afforestation operation in modern history. More than one million trees and shrubs will be planted across a vast area exceeding 16 square kilometers, making it the largest urban park in the world.
This massive project is part of the “Riyadh Four Grand Projects” package launched by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz on March 19, 2019, with the blessing of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
This environmental landmark aims to redefine the concept of urban living by providing vast green spaces and integrated facilities that serve all segments of society, contributing to achieving the goals of Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life.
Compared to the World’s Most Famous Parks
King Salman Park will write its name in gold letters in the book of world records, with its area far exceeding the world’s most famous urban parks.
Compared to London’s Hyde Park, the new green space is seven times larger, New York’s Central Park five times larger, and Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands sixteen times larger.
The park boasts a number of unique features that will place it on the map of global destinations. These include 11 square kilometers of green spaces, a 7.2-kilometer circular pedestrian path, and the “Wadi” area, the project’s vibrant heart, covering an area of one square kilometer.
The park also boasts numerous water features and artistic sculptures that add an aesthetic dimension to the public space.
A Strategic Location Connecting the Capital’s Neighborhoods
King Salman Park possesses a unique competitive advantage thanks to its strategic location connecting the capital’s most important arteries. Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Road runs through it via one of the longest tunnels in the region, at 2,430 meters, in addition to Al-Urouba Road, which crosses the park via a 2,150-meter tunnel.
To ensure easy access, the park is connected to the public transportation network via five Riyadh Metro stations and ten bus stations, making it an easy destination for visitors from all over the city.
This integration of infrastructure and urban design sets new standards for urban planning in the region.
Cultural Beacons and a World-Class Artistic Monument
The Royal Arts Complex in King Salman Park is an architectural masterpiece in itself. Spanning an area of half a million square meters, it includes the Museum of World Cultures, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, the National Theater, a specialized library, and open-air cinema spaces.
The design plan did not neglect the educational aspect, as the park includes museums specializing in botany, science, astronomy, and architecture, as well as a virtual reality museum that offers immersive experiences for visitors.
It also features spacious celebration halls and artistic landmarks that commemorate the Kingdom’s rich history.
Recreational Facilities to Suit All Tastes
King Salman Park offers a diverse range of recreational and sports facilities that cater to all tastes and age groups.
In addition to the international golf course spanning 850,000 square meters, the park includes an integrated sports complex, a specialized running and cycling track, and a skydiving and hot air ballooning center.
Adventure seekers will find their fulfillment in the 140,000 square meter water play area, the agricultural maze garden, and the observation tower, which offers a panoramic view of the entire park. Families will find spaces dedicated to safe family entertainment.
An Integrated Vision for Sustainable Development
The importance of King Salman Park goes beyond entertainment; it also serves as a model for sustainable development. The planting of one million trees contributes to improving air quality and increasing green space, while residential and commercial facilities provide an integrated living and working environment.
