Riyadh’s Irqah neighborhood undergoes major urban greening transformation
In a groundbreaking initiative as part of the Green Riyadh program, urban greening works have officially kicked off in the Irqah neighborhood of Riyadh on April 18. This marks the eighth residential area in the capital to be included in this transformative project, following the likes of Al-Aziziyah, Al-Naseem, and Al-Jazeera.
The ambitious project in Irqah will see the planting of 24,000 heat-tolerant trees and shrubs, the creation of 39 lush parks, and the greening of various public spaces including schools, mosques, government buildings, and streets spanning 69 kilometers. These efforts are not only aimed at enhancing the neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal but also promoting a healthier lifestyle, reducing healthcare costs, and cutting down on energy consumption.
In addition to the greenery, the project will also introduce new bicycle paths and pedestrian walkways connecting Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City with Wadi Hanifah. Furthermore, traditional Salmani architecture will be incorporated into the restoration of 38 buildings, while 111 parking lots will be transformed into green spaces.
To engage and inform residents about the project, an exhibition and planting events have been organized near Prince Mishal bin Abdulaziz Mosque in Irqah. Running until April 27, the exhibition showcases renderings of the neighborhood’s future look post-completion.
Green Riyadh, launched by King Salman in 2019 and spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to plant over 7.5 million trees in Riyadh. This will significantly increase green coverage in the city to 9.1%, with a per-capita green space share rising from 1.7 square meters to 28 square meters – a remarkable 16-fold increase.
The project will not only help cool down Riyadh’s temperature but also enhance air quality for its residents. By 2030, developers plan to expand urban greening projects to 120 neighborhoods in the capital, ushering in a new era of sustainability and green living in Riyadh.