Riyadh on its way to becoming city of the future

In a recent TV interview, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated that “Riyadh was very well planned by King Salman and it is the city with the best infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and it is one of the best cities in the Middle East.”

As the focal point for Vision 2030, the Riyadh Development Authority was converted into the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), with a mandate to make Riyadh one of the 10 largest cities in the world and increase its population to around 15 million by 2030.

RCRC is responsible for the urban, economic, social, and cultural development of Riyadh. The master plan for the city will involve a change of lifestyle and image for the Kingdom’s capital. The aim is to make Riyadh a more sustainable, mobile, and livable city, with family facilities, sports, events, health facilities, and international schools. There are several key projects already underway in the capital, including the King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh Metro, Diriyah Development Program, Wadi Laban Environmental Rehabilitation Project, King Abdul Aziz Historical Center Project, Saudi Railway, and others. As we all know, Riyadh is located in the middle of a desert, with few trees and green sites. But the Saudi government intends to transform the metropolis into a green capital, full of gardens and trees, to protect the environment, reduce pollution and improve the quality of life.

Riyadh will host multiple key green projects, including King Salman Park, Sports Boulevard, Green Riyadh, and Riyadh Art.

Basil M.K. Al-Ghalayini

Speaking of environmental enhancements and climate control, Riyadh will host multiple key green projects, including King Salman Park, Sports Boulevard, Green Riyadh, and Riyadh Art. These projects will complement the Saudi Vision 2030 “Quality of Life” program and are aligned with the UN development goals to create sustainable cities and communities. The “Green Riyadh” program aims to plant millions of trees in the city, which will reduce the temperature as well as the level of dust.

In my opinion, Riyadh will be the city of the future. Apart from becoming a magnet for business activities, especially with several international companies moving their regional headquarters to it in the coming years, it will also attract families who are looking for a quality lifestyle.

For the past 15 years and since I returned from London, Jeddah has been my residence, although I have been shuttling on a weekly basis between BMG offices in Riyadh and Jeddah. Recently, I have moved my residence to Riyadh to be closer to my father. I am sure it will be an exciting experience going through this transformation of Riyadh: The city of the future.

• Basil M.K. Al-Ghalayini is the chairman and CEO of BMG Financial Group.