Saudi Arabia announces opening of Sports Boulevard

Arabian Business

26-02-2025

Saudi Arabia is set to launch the first phase of a major Riyadh development this week as Sports Boulevard opens its first phase.
Sports Boulevard Foundation, chaired by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has announced the opening of the first phase of the Sports Boulevard project in Riyadh.
This milestone includes five key destinations:
Wadi Hanifah
The Promenade
The section 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
The first phase of Sands Sports Park
With this, the total completed length of the project now stands at 83km, with an overall progress reaching 40 per cent.
Riyadh Sports Boulevard in Saudi Arabia
The opening of the first phase of the Sports Boulevard project marks a major milestone for Riyadh, as part of the city's transformative developments.
Launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz on March 19, 2019, the project continues to receive the dedicated attention and support of HRH the Crown Prince.
Designed to enhance Riyadh's global ranking, the Sports Boulevard aims to position the city among the world's most liveable destinations.
It plays a key role in advancing Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting physical, mental, and social well-being, and fostering a vibrant community where residents and visitors can enjoy a high quality of life, a healthy lifestyle, and an inviting environment.
This opening is part of the foundation's mission to establish an innovative and sustainable urban renaissance along the environmental artery that connects Riyadh from the west to the east.
This transformative initiative empowers residents and visitors to actively engage in a wide range of sports while enhancing their quality of life by encouraging a more active and dynamic lifestyle.
The first completed destination of the project is Wadi Hanifah, situated in western Riyadh. Spanning 13.4km, it extends from Al-Olab Dam in the north to Jeddah Road in the south, passing through the Diriyah Gate project.
It features pedestrian pathways, cycling and equestrian trails, green spaces, and designated rest areas.
Seamlessly connecting Wadi Hanifah to the Promenade is the Cycling Bridge, one of the project's most iconic landmarks, located at the intersection of King Khalid Road and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road.
The bridge is designed with two independent pathways: a 1km pedestrian path and a 771m cycling path. Designed to enhance safe and sustainable mobility, it allows visitors to move effortlessly between Diriyah and the Promenade along Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road.
The Promenade stretches 4 km and adheres to the Sports Boulevard's urban design code, inspired by the principles of Salmani architecture.
It offers dedicated cycling paths for both professionals and amateurs, complemented by rest stops for cyclists, lush green spaces, water features, walking trails, children's playgrounds, and a selection of retail outlets and specialised centres for bicycle rentals and accessories.
Spanning 300m, the area at the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Road features the Arts Tower—a striking installation inspired by the high-voltage electricity towers that once lined Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road.
With its colourful geometric panels, the tower interacts with sunlight to create mesmerising reflections, making it a distinctive landmark and a key focal point for visitors.
The project also features a 20km internal loop track at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, designed with dedicated cycling and pedestrian pathways that seamlessly connect the university's facilities, enhancing accessibility for students, staff, and members of the public.
The Sands Sports Park, the fifth completed destination in the first phase of the project, is located southeast of King Khalid International Airport.
Designed for both professionals and amateurs, it features dedicated cycling paths, mountain bike trails, and BMX tracks, alongside scenic hiking and equestrian trails.
At the heart of the park lies the Najdi Flower, a signature cycling route for professionals, stretching over 45km.
As part of its development, more than 350,000sq m of sand dunes have been rehabilitated to enhance the natural landscape. The park also offers retail outlets and specialised centres for bicycle rentals and accessories.
Future phases will introduce additional sports facilities and buildings, further elevating the visitor experience.
The five destinations of the Sports Boulevard project will be open to visitors starting tomorrow, February 27, 2025.