Aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, Riyadh is witnessing a significant transformation with the opening of Phase I of the capital's Sports Boulevard project this week.
This week, the Sports Boulevard Foundation (SBF) announced the completion and opening of the first phase of this project, marking a major milestone in the ambitious project that already boasts 83km of completed pathways, which makes up almost 40% of the project's total plans.
What is Sports Boulevard in Riyadh?
Sports Boulevard is a visionary initiative aimed at enhancing the city's global standing and promoting a healthy, vibrant lifestyle - a goal of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 project.
Spanning approximately 135km, once completed Sports Boulevard will be the a world-leading, continuous linear sports path. The expansive sporting and outdoor facilities will link Riyadh from east to west and offering access to 50 diverse sports facilities.
The future vision for the expansive and city-wide Sports Boulevard is to provide visitors and residents with access to space and amenities aligned with providing a holistic 'good life' experience through its diverse exercise areas, entertainment zones, and immersive cultural experiences. It is hoped that these publicly available spaces in the Kingdom's capital will become an inspiration and best-in-practice example globally, for the promotion of healthy and active living in cities.
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Sports Boulevard Phase 1 - What is open?
Phase one of the Sports Boulevard project was unveiled this week at the SBF Board of Directors meeting, this gathering was chaired by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Not only is it expected that this project will be welcomed by visitors and residents who enjoy pursuing sports and outdoor activities, the Sports Boulevard project will also make getting around Riyadh easier for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
The first phase opening will introduce the public to five key destinations within Sports Boulevard: Wadi Hanifah, the Promenade, the Arts Zone at the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road, the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University internal loop, and the first phase of Sands Sports Park.
These five key destinations are slated to open to the public from Thursday, February 27, 2025.
Wadi Hanifah
Wadi Hanifah, the project's first fully completed destination, stretches 13.4km, offering pedestrian, cycling, and equestrian trails amidst lush green spaces. The iconic Cycling Bridge, connecting Wadi Hanifah to the Promenade, stands as a testament to the project’s commitment to safe and sustainable mobility.
The Promenade
This 4km Promenade has been designed with Salmani architectural principles in mind, and provides visitors with a number of dedicated cycling paths, rest stops, and a selection retail and casual dining outlets along the way.
The Arts Zone
Found at the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road, this zone will feature the Arts Tower, a striking artistic installation that interacts with sunlight to create mesmerising reflections.
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Loop
A 20km internal loop track now open at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University provides the busy destination with a dedicated cycling and pedestrian access, connecting campus facilities for students, staff, and the public.
Sands Sports Park
Sands Sports Park, spanning more than 17 million square metres features a variety of trails for horses, pedestrians, hikers, mountain bikers, and casual cycling enthusiasts. Located near King Khalid International Airport, the Sands Sports Park features the impressive 45km Najdi Flower cycling route, here rehabilitated sand dunes have been planted and adorned with typical Najdian flowers.
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Future Phases of Sports Boulevard
This city-wide project is pivotal to the SBF’s mission to create an innovative and sustainable urban environment for Riyadh's residents and visitors, whilst simultaneously aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for improved quality of life and well-being in the Kingdom.
With developments progressing as expected within the projected and approved project schedule, the ongoing construction continues across the project's other destinations. In the last quarter of 2024, it was estimated that full completion of the Sports Boulevard project would be by 2029.
The future improvements and building of the Sports Boulevard include the completion and opening of a number of underpasses, in addition to the curation of a selection of urban wadis, and the inauguration of various sports halls and facilities throughout the capital city. The much-anticipated opening of Phase One only lends to ensure the continued evolution of the Sports Boulevard project, and the promise to further elevate Riyadh's status as a leading global city.
Phase 1 Opening February 27,
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