International experts commend Riyadh’s $23 bln grand projects

A panel of prominent International experts from various academic and professional fields convened on Sunday to discuss Riyadh’s $23 billion investment in the recently announced four grand projects that will transform the city and improve the wellbeing of millions of citizens in the capital city, Business Wire reported citing a statement by Riyadh Development Authority.

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) Forum that took place at the Exhibition Centre King Fahad Library Plaza last week, centered on a number of topics, including sustainable urban development, conservation, socio-economic well-being, art and culture, and the facilitation of a healthy lifestyle for all citizens.

Also read: King Salman launches SAR 82 bln projects in Riyadh

The four Wellbeing Projects will greatly improve Saudis’ way of life by providing a greener, healthier environment and by encouraging participation in cultural and sporting life, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the statement added.

These four projects are part of a massive development plan for the capital Riyadh, highlighting the Kingdom's leadership in sustainable urbanization and environmental management.

One of the four projects is King Salman Park – one of the world’s largest urban parks with a land area of 13 square kilometers (sq. km), roughly four times that of Central Park in New York.

The park, in addition to its large green spaces, will include a national theatre, opera house and art academy, and will host entertainment, environmental and cultural events.

Another project is Green Riyadh – an urban greening project that will reduce CO2 levels and cool the city by up to 2°C. Green Riyadh will see 7.5 million trees planted in gardens, parks, mosques, schools and around the capital’s governmental and health sectors.

The third project is Riyadh Art – a citywide gallery that will include 1,000 works of art and interactive installations, placed in residential areas, public parks, transport facilities and on Riyadh’s roads.

The fourth project is Sports Boulevard – the first of its kind in the region, will feature 135 km of multi-purpose track for walking, running, cycling and horse riding.

“What I’ve seen over these two days is very much at the cutting edge and redefines what a city could be. What Riyadh is doing here I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world – where the planning is so integrated and well thought through, and innovative thinking is so evident,” John Rossant, Chairman & Founder, New Cities Foundation said.

“Riyadh is setting the standard. I commend these four grand projects,” he added.

“Every one of these Wellbeing Projects is quite extraordinary. Riyadh will be transformed in ways that you and I can’t fully understand. They will transform this city not just in its infrastructure and facilities, but will transform health, culture and the very way citizens live their lives,” said Dr. David Griggs, Professor, Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University.

“The scale of these city projects is really impressive. Planting a few trees is nice. Maybe planting a couple of blocks is worthy. But it’s only when you get to the scale of 7.5 million trees and 9 percent green coverage of the city that you can actually change the climate and cool the city down,” John Englander, Oceanographer & Author, said.