Saudi Arabia announces plan to transform Riyadh within the next decade
The USD800 billion plan is part of Saudi’s Vision 2030…
Saudi Arabia has just announced plans that will likely double the population of its capital Riyadh to 15 million by converting it into an economic, cultural and social hub.
The mega-plan was unveiled by Fahd Al Rasheed, President of the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh.
The project is expected to cost USD800 billion and is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 – the programme that seeks to reduce the kingdom’s dependence on oil while developing its public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism.
The plan will see the creation of ‘mega industrial zones’ which will focus on advanced technology such as renewables and automation, and biotechnology and aquaponics.
A key feature of the project is sustainability, with energy conservation, the circular carbon economy with its emphasis on reducing emissions, and water management, all priorities.
Fahd Al Rasheed also confirmed that 18 projects have already been launched in the capital that is worth more than USD250 billion.
In an interview with Arab News, he mentioned The Riyadh Green project – one of the most ambitious urban forestation projects in the world that will see around seven million trees planted in the capital in the next few years.
He stated, ‘Riyadh is already a very important economic engine for the kingdom and although it’s already very successful, the plan now, under Vision 2030, is to actually take that way further, to double the population to 15 million people,’
He added that the project will make Riyadh one of the greenest cities in the world.
For art lovers, the plan will also see the capital transform into an art hub for the region.
The Riyadh Art project is one of four megaprojects that was launched back in March 2019 and is a milestone that will fulfil a key goal of the Saudi Vision 2030. The move will promote Riyadh’s position among the world’s top 100 most livable cities.
The project will see more than 1000 artworks and landmarks, created by local and international artists installed across the city in gardens, parks, squares, metro/bus stations, bridges, city entrances and tourism destinations.
In a bid to boost tourism numbers to the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia has invested billions of Riyals into speeding up the construction of a mega entertainment and sports project in the capital Riyadh.
The project is located close to the capital and includes the American theme park Six Flags and more than 300 recreational and educational facilities – all part of the Saudi Vision 2030 programme.
Images: Royal Commission for Riyadh City