How Saudi cities are enhancing quality of life, while responding to environmental challenges

Special How Saudi cities are enhancing quality of life, while responding to environmental challenges
By involving residents, developments can better reflect community priorities and preferences. (Supplied file photo)
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Updated 02 November 2024
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How Saudi cities are enhancing quality of life, while responding to environmental challenges

How Saudi cities are enhancing quality of life, while responding to environmental challenges
  • The Green Riyadh Project plans to plant 7.5 million trees, enhancing public spaces and managing flood risks
  • Saudi Arabia’s circular economy initiatives encourage adaptive building reuse and waste-to-energy projects

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is undergoing an urban transformation, creating sustainable, vibrant communities that enhance the quality of life for residents while responding to environmental challenges.

Driven by the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and its Quality of Life Program, the Kingdom wants to see three of its cities recognized among the top 100 in the world for livability. To achieve this, it is investing in sustainable urban management and development.

“Sustainable urban management is foundational to Vision 2030, supporting Saudi cities as dynamic, resilient, and economically sustainable environments,” Abdulaziz Al-Mizani, an energy and sustainability expert, told Arab News.

This approach aligns with the Kingdom’s aim to improve quality of life and promote resource efficiency, he added.

Central to this transformation are several key concepts, including green infrastructure, smart growth, transit-oriented development, eco-cities, circular economy principles, community engagement, and resilient urban design.

In Saudi Arabia, where urban areas are rapidly expanding, the need for effective green infrastructure is considered a key priority.

Green infrastructure refers to systems that use natural processes to manage stormwater and improve air quality. “As cities expand, green infrastructure is vital for managing environmental impact while enhancing livability,” said Al-Mizani.

Examples of green infrastructure being implemented in Saudi cities include the Green Riyadh Project, which is one of the biggest urban afforestation initiatives in the world. Launched by King Salman in March 2019, it is a key Riyadh megaproject.

With a view to reducing average ambient temperatures by 2 degrees centigrade during the summer and by achieving temperature reductions of 8-15 degrees in select afforested areas, the project aims to create a more comfortable urban landscape.




In Saudi Arabia, where urban areas are rapidly expanding, the need for effective green infrastructure is pronounced. (Supplied file photo)

According to the Green Riyadh Project, the initiative is also expected to lower annual power consumption by 650 gigawatt-hours by promoting green building techniques, including green ceilings and walls.

Additionally, it will enhance rainwater management to mitigate flood risks, preserve natural areas, and bolster biodiversity.

“Integrating elements like green roofs, parks, and sustainable water management is essential for eco-cities that harmonize urban growth with natural systems,” said Al-Mizani.

DID YOUKNOW?

• The Green Riyadh Project plans to plant 7.5 million trees, enhancing public spaces and managing flood risks.

• Eco-cities in Saudi Arabia integrate renewable energy, aiming for 58.7 GW of renewable power by 2030.

• Resilient urban design includes heat-resistant materials to reduce cooling demands and improve comfort in Saudi cities.

Green roofs are covered with vegetation, which helps reduce heat absorption, improve insulation, and manage rainwater.

For urban afforestation, Saudi Arabia is planting trees and creating new green spaces in urban areas.

In line with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom aims to plant 10 billion trees across the country by 2030, equivalent to rehabilitating more than 74 million hectares of land. The Green Riyadh Project intends to plant 7.5 million trees across the capital alone.

The distribution of these trees will be strategically planned to enhance various community spaces, including 175,000 sq. km of empty land, 16,400 km of streets and roads, 3,330 neighborhood gardens, 9,000 mosques, and 6,000 schools.

Saudi Arabia is also enhancing its sustainable urban landscape by implementing circular economy principles, which aim to minimize waste through reuse and recycling.

“Circular economy principles, such as adaptive reuse of buildings and waste-to-energy initiatives, support both resource efficiency and renewable energy generation, fitting well within the Kingdom’s sustainable development and resilience goals,” said Al-Mizani.

Circular economy principles can be applied to optimize economic zones in Saudi Arabia such as the King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh, Jazan Economic City, Prince Abdulaziz bin Musaid Economic City in Hail, and Knowledge Economic City in Madinah.




CCE Index offers a comprehensive evaluation of global progress toward achieving net-zero emissions and readiness for the circular carbon economy. (AN File)

Such collaborations, known as industrial symbiosis, align with sustainable development and circular economy goals, emphasizing the importance of resource conservation, waste reduction, and environmental protection. They involve reusing waste and by-products generated by one particular industry or industrial process to serve as raw materials for another.

Another notable application is the adaptive reuse of buildings, where old structures are repurposed for new uses, conserving resources and preserving cultural heritage. A prime example of this is the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, which transforms old buildings into vibrant cultural hubs.

Eco-cities are urban areas designed with sustainability and environmental health in mind. “A successful eco-city embodies sustainability and resilience at its core, minimizing carbon emissions, optimizing resources, and incorporating green infrastructure,” said Al-Mizani.

Such eco-cities utilize renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to reduce their carbon footprints. Saudi Arabia aims to generate 58.7 GW of renewable energy by 2030, significantly impacting urban energy consumption.

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Resilient urban design is also crucial as it focuses on creating cities that can withstand and recover from environmental stresses. This can be achieved through energy-efficient buildings with energy-efficient designs and materials that lower energy consumption.

“Heat-resistant materials are crucial in Saudi Arabia’s climate, contributing to resilient urban design by reducing cooling demands,” said Al-Mizani. “This approach enables energy efficiency while enhancing building longevity and occupant comfort.”

Heat-resistant materials can withstand high temperatures, contributing to urban comfort and sustainability.

Nonetheless, transforming Saudi Arabia’s urban landscape sustainably presents several significant challenges. “Policy innovation, public-private collaboration, and circular economy strategies are pivotal to overcoming these barriers effectively,” said Al-Mizani.

Community engagement and encouraging collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society, is also essential, he said, to create urban spaces that reflect shared environmental values.




To create urban spaces that reflect shared environmental values, community engagement is essential. (Supplied photo)

By involving residents, developments can better reflect community priorities and preferences.

“Together, these groups bring diverse resources and insights, creating a foundation for integrated approaches to sustainable urban development,” Al-Mizani added.

Thanks to these initiatives, Saudi Arabia is poised to set a benchmark for sustainable urban development in the region.

“Future Saudi cities will likely stand as global models of eco-city principles, characterized by green infrastructure, smart growth, circular economy practices, and resilient design,” said Al-Mizani.
 

 


Saudi Arabia’s king, crown prince express their condolences after Washington air crash

Emergency response units search the wreckage of an American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after it crashed. AFP
Emergency response units search the wreckage of an American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after it crashed. AFP
Updated 4 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia’s king, crown prince express their condolences after Washington air crash

Emergency response units search the wreckage of an American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after it crashed. AFP
  • King Salman offered his condolences to Trump, the families of the victims, and the American people
  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar cable separately

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince sent cables of condolences on Thursday to US President Donald Trump after an American Airlines passenger jet collided with an army helicopter on Wednesday.

At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after the helicopter apparently flew into the path of the jet late Wednesday as it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, officials said.

King Salman offered his condolences to Trump, the families of the victims, and the American people. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar cable separately.

The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew. Three soldiers were aboard the helicopter. At a press conference at the White House, Trump said that there were no survivors from the crash.

The plane was found upside-down in three sections in waist-deep water and the helicopter wreckage was also found.


Artificial intelligence is redefining human relationship to work, says Takamol CEO

Artificial intelligence is redefining human relationship to work, says Takamol CEO
Updated 21 min 32 sec ago
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Artificial intelligence is redefining human relationship to work, says Takamol CEO

Artificial intelligence is redefining human relationship to work, says Takamol CEO
  • More than half of employees think that their job is at risk because of AI
  • “Technology should complement our intelligence, not replace it,” says Al-Yamani

RIYADH: Technology has fundamentally redefined the relationship between humans and work over the past two decades, presenting both immense opportunities and unprecedented challenges, Ahmad Al-Yamani, CEO of Takamol, told Arab News.

Al-Yamani said: “Technology should complement our intelligence, not replace it,” emphasizing the urgency of preparing the workforce for this transformation.

He cited research from the Global Labor Market Conference, which found that employees worried that technological advances were disrupting the job market: “More than 50 percent of workers surveyed across 14 countries fear their skills could become partially or fully obsolete within the next five years.”

For Saudi workers, 23 percent expressed concerns that computers and robots might replace their jobs. However, Al-Yamani claimed that this evolution provided a pivotal opportunity to adapt and innovate alongside advanced technologies.

He spoke about how the use of technology was spreading and “taking over various aspects of our lives.”

Al-Yamani called for a comprehensive overhaul of skills and education systems, warning that the current workforce was ill-prepared for the pace of technological change.

“We must reprioritize education to prepare for an economy that will eventually no longer exist,” he said, advocating for proactive policies to prevent economic instability and ensure inclusivity.

The CEO highlighted the pressing need to embrace the discomfort of change brought about by rapid technological advancement, while posing a critical question: “Are we going to allow AI to amplify inequality, or will we utilize it to level the playing field?”

Al-Yamani said that the answer depended on the boldness of actions taken today: “Those who adapt will ultimately thrive.”

On the rise of generative AI, he said that this technology had shifted from being a supportive tool to becoming a creator. “With generative AI, machines are producing works such as movies, books and paintings that feel almost human.”

Despite AI’s capabilities, Al-Yamani stressed the irreplaceable value of genuine human connection.

“We need to invest in relationships and a healthier, more interactive society,” he said, suggesting initiatives such as reducing the work week to four days to strengthen social bonds.

He warned: “Without strong social connections, we risk isolation, subordination to machines and losing what truly makes life meaningful.”

Al-Yamani addressed the uncertainty surrounding the pace of AI’s transformation: “AI might reshape everything in five years, or several decades, we aren’t exactly sure.” Despite this unpredictability, he emphasized a clear path forward; investing in humanity.

Looking ahead, Al-Yamani emphasized the importance of collaboration among global labor stakeholders to address these challenges. Platforms such as the GLMC provided critical spaces where governments, employers and workers could align their priorities.

“Workers want fair opportunities and security, governments seek stability, and businesses strive for innovation and growth. These priorities are interconnected,” he said, calling for unified efforts to craft meaningful solutions.

Al-Yamani said that in a time of rapid technological change, “collaboration remains our most powerful tool to secure a better, more equitable future.”


An inside look at the operations center keeping Riyadh Metro running smoothly

An inside look at the operations center keeping Riyadh Metro running smoothly
Updated 53 min 16 sec ago
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An inside look at the operations center keeping Riyadh Metro running smoothly

An inside look at the operations center keeping Riyadh Metro running smoothly
  • Hundreds of employees in constant communication with city’s commuters
  • Networks covered 24/7 by more than 14,000 security camera

RIYADH: The Riyadh Metro has been buzzing with passengers ever since its launch in December, reaching its full operational capacity with the inauguration of the Orange Line earlier this month and marking a grand milestone for the capital’s urbanization strategy.

Arab News got a look inside the Riyadh Public Transport Control Center, located west of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

The center hosts 600 employees who oversee the management of three vital parts of the transportation system: the Riyadh Metro, Riyadh Bus, and the advanced traffic control system.

So how does the center contribute to improving everyday users’ experiences?

A spokesperson said that the center received more than 10,000 calls daily via the unified network number (19933), which is designated for inquiries, complaints, suggestions, and calls about missing items.

Operators are in constant communication with the people of Riyadh who use public transport, and they work to keep the system running smoothly.

Safety is a priority for the Transport General Authority. All of the city’s public transport systems are monitored 24/7 through more than 14,000 security cameras that are distributed across the network.

These cameras are equipped with facial recognition technologies which monitor and analyze the use of public transport and inform the authorities immediately in case of any incidents.

In the event that a commuter loses any personal property, the user must contact the Riyadh Public Transport Control Center through the unified number, and a special complaint ticket will be issued and sent via email or text.

They can use the number to follow up on any updates regarding the complaint until the lost item is retrieved.

Planning for the metro system began back in 2012, and aimed at enhancing mobility and providing comfort for users, residents, and visitors of Riyadh.

The Riyadh Metro includes 85 stations and extends a distance of 176 km across six tracks.

Riyadh’s bus network consists of 87 routes across the city using 842 vehicles with some 3,000 service stations.

The traffic control system also oversees 650 road intersections, monitoring and managing the flow of traffic.

The Riyadh Bus system has transported 50 million passengers in the last year.


Muslim World League chief in talks with Italian leader

Muslim World League chief in talks with Italian leader
Updated 30 January 2025
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Muslim World League chief in talks with Italian leader

Muslim World League chief in talks with Italian leader
  • Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa thanks Sergio Mattarella for supporting Palestinian rights, two-state solution
  • Extremism, whatever its source, does not represent values that religions call for, Mattarella says

RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Presidential Palace in Rome.

During the meeting, the contributions of religion to global peace efforts and enhancing friendship between people were discussed.

Al-Issa said that Islam called for mutual understanding between nations and people, respect for human dignity, and peaceful coexistence, according to a statement.

He thanked the president for his position on Palestinian rights, especially his support for the two-state solution.

The Italian leader voiced his appreciation for the MWL’s efforts to promote religious and cultural peace, praising the values of Islam in this regard.

Mattarella said that extremism, whatever its source, represents only itself, and does not represent the cultural values called for by religions.


Saudi FM receives phone call from Russian counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Thursday.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Thursday.
Updated 30 January 2025
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Saudi FM receives phone call from Russian counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Thursday.

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Thursday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, the two officials reviewed relations between their countries. They also discussed regional developments and exchanged views on them.