Overseen by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Green Riyadh Initiative is mobilising community members for a tree-planting and environmental cleanup drive at Shuaib Umm Qasr on September 23 to mark Saudi National Day.
On September 23, from 1pm to 5pm, the event invites male and female volunteers across all demographics to participate directly in local conservation efforts, with accredited volunteer certificates awarded to all contributors.
This campaign represents a core operational pillar of Green Riyadh, designed to foster civic engagement, strengthen environmental responsibility, and expand sustainable volunteerism across the capital. As one of the world's most ambitious urban afforestation ventures, Green Riyadh forms a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030 and the broader Saudi Green Initiative, which targets planting 10 billion trees across the Kingdom.
Within the capital, the program aims to plant 7.5 million trees and raise green coverage to 9%. This strategic expansion is projected to increase per capita green space from 1.7 to 28 square metres, representing a sixteen-fold transformation of the city's public environment. Beyond visual appeal, the afforestation network is engineered to reduce ambient urban temperatures by 1.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius, lower energy consumption, improve air quality by filtering dust and pollutants, and encourage healthier, outdoor-oriented lifestyles.
By focusing on natural valleys like Shuaib Umm Qasr, alongside residential neighbourhoods, parks, healthcare facilities, and educational campuses, Green Riyadh is rebuilding local ecosystems while safeguarding biodiversity. Community activations during national milestones ensure that residents actively participate in achieving long-term climate resilience and urban sustainability.
What is the Green Riyadh Initiative?
Initiated in 2019 under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Green Riyadh is reshaping the capital to secure its place among the world’s top 100 most liveable cities, elevating public health, air quality, and urban well-being. The ambitious program is integrating greenery across residential districts, public parks, educational institutions, healthcare centres, and major transit corridors, targeting 7.5 million trees across the metropolis.
Beyond lowering ambient temperatures and reducing power demands, the expanding green infrastructure offers substantial economic benefits, driving long-term returns through reduced healthcare costs, elevated property values, and efficient irrigation using treated wastewater. Together, these sustainable urban interventions advance the core objectives of Vision 2030, establishing a healthier and more resilient future for the capital’s residents.
Green Riyadh Initiative National Day clean up at Shuaib Umm Qasr,
From 1pm - 5pm at September 23, 2026
@saudivision2030
