Riyadh is about to get a little more green – 754,000 square metres of green, to be exact. Construction has begun on Al Urubah Park, and, when completed, this space will be one of the largest parks in the capital. A part of the Green Riyadh initiative, 65% of this park will be covered in trees and shrubbery, and will feature ponds, terraces as well as a 14 kilometre walking and jogging trail.

Although this park will allow visitors to disconnect from the bustle of city life, its location in the city centre will likely make it a natural part of Riyadh’s urban experience. This park is being built at the Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road, Al Urubah Road intersection. Near Laysen Valley, this park will be close to some of the city’s best restaurants.

Visitors will be able to take in a great view of some of the city’s famous landmarks from a 12-metre-high walking path. This elevated path is three metres long, and uses augmented reality to create an interactive experience for its visitors. This is not the only place park designers plan to merge technology and nature – expect to find features like AI-powered fountains dotted throughout.

The Green Riyadh Program is an urban reforestation project that aims to cover 9% of the city in vegetation, which is 16 times the amount of greenery currently in Riyadh. In addition to the construction of Al Urubah Park, 20 other parks are being built within the city, providing space for the seven million trees and shrubs that are scheduled to be planted. By taking these steps, the Green Riyadh initiative hopes to naturally cool the city’s temperature and improve the city’s air quality.