As urbanisation continues to accelerate globally, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it is increasingly critical to ensure that cities remain healthy, pleasant, and sustainable places for citizens, residents, and tourists. Here in Saudi Arabia, we have the ambition and capabilities to develop liveable cities that will set a blueprint for the rest of the world.
A green oasis of more than 13km² in the heart of Riyadh’s urban centre, King Salman Park is poised to become a benchmark for future urban green spaces.
Riyadh is embracing this approach and bringing to life the wider Vision 2030 through ambitious projects like King Salman Park. A green oasis of more than 13km² in the heart of Riyadh’s urban centre, King Salman Park is poised to become a benchmark for future urban green spaces. Billed as the world’s largest urban park, this ambitious project exemplifies how thoughtful planning and innovative management can create a multi-functional green space that caters to the population’s diverse needs while also promoting sustainability.
Benefits of Green Spaces for Health and Urban Renewal
King Salman Park is set to deliver immense benefits to the physical and mental well-being of individuals. Parks provide a sanctuary from the urban hustle, offering spaces for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction. Regular access to green areas has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved mental health, and increased physical activity, all of which contribute to a healthier population.
Moreover, such environments encourage social cohesion by providing communal areas where residents can gather, fostering a sense of community. It is not controversial to suggest that they are, in fact, vital in their contribution to a better future for all.
Green spaces are not just beneficial for individuals but also for cities. They enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban areas, making cities more attractive places to live and work.
This can boost property values and attract tourists, contributing to the local economy. Additionally, parks can play a crucial role in urban planning by breaking up a ‘concrete jungle’ with natural landscapes.
The Role of Green Spaces in Tackling Climate Change
Environmentally, green spaces serve as the lungs of a city. Vegetation in parks helps manage urban water runoff, reducing the risk of flooding. Biodiverse green areas support local wildlife, promoting biodiversity within urban settings. Importantly, parks like King Salman Park can serve as carbon sinks, contributing to the mitigation of climate change impacts.However, as with all developments, there need to be considerations in their planning, construction, and maintenance to ensure they function and thrive to their full potential.
Some lessons can be taken from successful green spaces globally, such as New York’s Central Park, London’s Hyde Park, and the renowned parks in Melbourne, Australia, which are best practice examples of managing an urban green site.
Other considerations are unique to Saudi Arabia and, therefore, must be tackled anew. An example of this is the horticultural considerations – ensuring that the right plants are used that are not only suitable for a project of this scale but are also appropriate for the Saudi climate, contributing to a sustainable future environment. It is considerations such as these that require the extensive knowledge and global experience of the private sector working alongside the capabilities of the government.
The Role of the Private Sector
The successful creation and management of King Salman Park highlight the importance of involving the private sector. Our international experience from managing large-scale projects such as Melbourne Parks has provided us with vast knowledge when it comes to managing everything from the aesthetics – including the landscaping and seed planting – through to the infrastructure and ongoing maintenance.
This level of experience covering operations, visitor services, customer experience, and environmental management ensures that all aspects of the park are handled efficiently and sustainably. By leveraging private sector capabilities and building on their experience, public entities can benefit from advanced technologies, best practices, and innovative solutions that enhance the overall quality and sustainability of urban parks.
Opportunities for Upskilling KSA Nationals
With the introduction of spaces like this, there is a strong need to build local expertise in the management of large green spaces in Riyadh, be that horticulture, sustainability-focused roles, and so on.
The creation of such ‘green’ roles for now and future generations presents a significant opportunity for Saudi nationals to be trained and employed. International experts can support this by facilitating knowledge transfer and capacity building, ensuring that local teams are equipped with the skills needed to maintain and enhance King Salman Park.
Embrace Technological Innovations
Whilst the aim is for King Salman Park to be a holistic space, providing an oasis of calm in a bustling city, technology, from IoT and beyond, still plays a crucial role in modern park management.
Technological innovations can be used to monitor vegetation growth and plant health, especially in this region’s climate. From smart irrigation systems that reduce water waste to energy-efficient lighting that minimises environmental impact, embracing technology is essential.
Focusing on User Experience
Creating an exceptional user experience is essential. This involves thoughtful design that considers accessibility, safety, and the diverse needs of visitors. For example, how will visitors get to the park? A micro-mobility programme for both travel to and within the park should be considered, embracing sustainable and user-friendly forms of transport. The answer could lie in autonomous vehicles, electric bikes, or even more innovative solutions.
The pathways themselves must be well-marked and accessible to all, including those with disabilities. Amenities like seating, restrooms, and refreshment areas should be conveniently located. Additionally, providing spaces for various activities – from quiet contemplation to active sports – ensures that the park meets the needs of all visitors, both locals and tourists, as Riyadh increasingly plays a role on the world stage.
Leveraging Space Data for Efficient Management
One highly technical approach to park management is the use of space data. Technologies such as satellite imagery can provide critical insights into plant health, soil moisture levels, and areas where vegetation is underperforming. This data-driven approach allows for better irrigation management, ensuring that water resources are used optimally and sustainably. By monitoring these factors, maintenance teams can address issues proactively, enhancing the park's resilience and sustainability.
The development of green spaces like King Salman Park is crucial for the future of liveable cities.
The collaboration between public entities and the private sector will be key in achieving this vision and providing significant benefits to individuals, cities, and the environment.
By adopting best practices in park management, leveraging technology, and fostering local expertise, Riyadh can create a world-class urban park that not only attracts residents and tourists but also serves as a model for others.