Riyadh opens Sports Boulevard phase one

Article posted by Coliseum, March 3^rd, 2025

Image: Sports Boulevard Foundation

The first phase of the Sports Boulevard has opened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia marking a major milestone in the city’s transformation into a global athletics and lifestyle destination.

Arab News said the project, led by the Sports Boulevard Foundation (SBF), is now 40 percent complete, with 83km of the route accessible to visitors now open.

The Sports Boulevard stretches across Riyadh, connecting Wadi Hanifa in the west to Wadi Al-Sulai in the east via Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road.

At over 135 km in length, it will become the world’s largest linear park. The project includes pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, and amateur athletes, as well as horse trails and various other sports facilities.

Chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the board of directors of the SBF announced the launch of the first phase, which includes five key destinations: Wadi Hanifah, the Promenade, a section at the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Rd. and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Rd., as well as the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University internal loop, and the first phase of Sands Sports Park.

The initiative, launched by King Salman in March 2019, aligns with the country’s Quality-of-Life Program, outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, by creating greener, more sustainable cities that encourage participation in activities like walking, cycling, and horse riding.

It also aims to transform Riyadh into one of the world’s most livable cities by blending sports with cultural, artistic, and environmental opportunities.

The urban facades follow the distinctive design guidelines outlined in the Sports Boulevard’s design code.

The first completed destination of the project, Wadi Hanifah, is located in western Riyadh. Stretching 13.4 km, it runs from Al-Olab Dam in the north to Jeddah Road in the south, passing through the Diriyah Gate project.

Wadi Hanifah features pedestrian pathways, cycling and equestrian trails, green spaces, and designated rest areas. A key feature is the Cycling Bridge, which connects Wadi Hanifah to the Promenade.

Located at the intersection of King Khalid Road and Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road, the bridge offers two distinct paths: a 1 km pedestrian walkway and a 771-meter cycling track.

The Promenade spans 4 km and follows the Sports Boulevard’s urban design code, which draws inspiration from Salmani architecture. It features dedicated cycling paths for both professionals and amateurs, expansive green spaces, water features, walking trails, children’s playgrounds, and a variety of retail outlets.

The Sands Sports Park, the fifth completed destination in the first phase, is located southeast of King Khalid International Airport. It offers dedicated cycling paths, mountain bike trails, BMX tracks, and scenic hiking and equestrian trails.

At its core is the Najdi Flower, a signature 45-km cycling route for professionals. Over 350,000 sq. meters of sand dunes have been rehabilitated to enhance the park’s natural landscape.

The park also features retail outlets and specialized centers for bicycle rentals and accessories. Future phases will introduce additional sports facilities and buildings, further enhancing the visitor experience.

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