In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital, an extraordinary transformation is unfolding. King Salman Park in Riyadh is set to become the world’s largest urban park, covering a vast 16.7 square kilometers. This visionary project is a key pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, designed to elevate quality of life, promote sustainability, and establish Riyadh as a world-class city.
A Vision Beyond Green Spaces
King Salman Park isn't just a green escape; it’s a bold reimagining of how nature, culture, and community can co-exist in a mega-city. Initiated on the grounds of the former Riyadh Air Base, the park represents a shift toward healthier, more connected urban living.
- Spearheaded by Saudi leadership and designed by global architectural firm Henning Larsen and Omrania
- Backed by Vision 2030 goals for environmental sustainability and enhanced urban life
"The planners have skillfully designed the park with small valleys and rocky formations, which resembles the Najd region, thus giving it a natural beauty and distinctiveness from other parks in the city."
— Prince Faisal bin Bandar, Riyadh Governor (2019 inauguration)
How is Saudi Arabia Planting Trees in the Desert?
It may sound unbelievable, but it's happening. King Salman Park is turning the dream of a desert forest into a living reality. In a place where temperatures soar and water is scarce, planners have found innovative ways to plant—and sustain—over 1M trees in Riyadh.
Engineers are reshaping the land into cool, shaded wadis, enriching soil with nutrients and microorganisms, and delivering water with precision through smart irrigation systems. Together, these innovations create a thriving ecosystem of native and global plant species—proving it’s possible to grow a forest in the heart of the desert.
Design & Scale: Where Innovation Meets Nature
Immense Scale
The park will span 16.7 square kilometers:
- 5x the size of Central Park (NYC)
- 7x the size of Hyde Park (London)
- 16x bigger than Gardens by the Bay (Singapore)
Masterplan Highlights
- Urban Loop: A 7.2 km circular promenade for walking, biking, and autonomous vehicles
- Wadi-Inspired Landscapes: Natural valleys designed to enhance cooling and mimic traditional Saudi geography
- Shaded Walkways & Water Features: Engineered for comfort in Riyadh’s summer climate
Cultural Core: The Royal Arts Complex
At the heart of King Salman Park lies the Royal Arts Complex, a cultural destination designed in the traditional Salmani architectural style:
- Museum of World Cultures (110m high)
- National Theater (2,300-seat)
- 3 Cinemas
- Royal Institute of Traditional Arts
- Library with 250,000+ titles
Visitor Experience & Recreation
Visitor Pavilion
Your gateway to the park:
- 360-degree viewing terrace
- Interactive exhibits
- Dining options and event spaces
Activities for All Ages
- Amusement park and aquapark
- Skydiving & equestrian center
- Botanical gardens and nature trails
- Sports complexes and themed playgrounds
Environmental Leadership & Biodiversity
King Salman Park goes beyond beauty. It aims to set an eco-conscious benchmark in the region:
- Over 11.6 sq km of green zones
- Natural lakes and streams to support biodiversity
- Water recycling systems to minimize waste
The park will feature over 1 million trees, transforming Riyadh’s desert landscape into a lush, sustainable ecosystem!
Seamless Access & Mobility
Accessibility is key:
- 5 Metro stations and 10 BRT stops within the park
- Connected to 6 major roads in Riyadh
- Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure throughout
King Salman Park Opening Date
The park is currently under development and is expected to partially open by 2025, with continued expansions and facility openings planned through 2030.
Operating Hours & Tickets
Details on operating hours and ticketing policies are expected to be released closer to the opening. Based on other major Riyadh attractions, expect:
- Opening Hours: Likely from early morning (around 8 AM) to late evening (around 11 PM)
- Ticket Info: Entry to green spaces may be free; specific attractions like theaters or amusement parks may have separate fees
How Much Will the King Salman Park Cost?
The park itself is valued at approximately $9.4 billion, and it forms part of a larger $22.9 billion development initiative, making it one of the most ambitious urban park projects globally.
Where is the World's Largest Urban Park?
Prior to King Salman Park in Riyadh, the title of the largest urban park in the world was held by:
- South Mountain Park in Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Size: Over 16,000 acres (approximately 65 sq km), though more wilderness than urban green space
- Among major landscaped urban parks: Chugach State Park (Alaska) and Fairmount Park (Philadelphia) are also contenders
However, none combine scale, integrated cultural design, and central city placement the way King Salman Park aims to.
Why It Matters: A New Global Icon
King Salman Park is more than just a recreational area—it’s a global statement. It aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by promoting:
- Quality of life and wellness
- Environmental and cultural preservation
- Global tourism and investment
As it nears completion, King Salman Park stands to become a symbol of urban innovation, a cultural nucleus, and a green sanctuary in one of the world’s fastest-growing cities.
Get ready, Riyadh—King Salman Park is where nature meets the future.