Riyadh’s parks are a major attraction for residents during Eid

Eid Al-Adha holidays are not only great occasion for refreshing one’s faith and social relations, but also a break outing for Saudis and expatriates during which they can spend the long week with their family to enjoy the desert and newly created parks such as Laban, Namar and Hanifah near the capital.
Wadi “Valley” Laban and Namar were inaugurated this year only. They are housing Prince Sattam Park. Situated southwest of Riyadh near the Diplomatic Quarter, Wadi Hanifa is rich in date plantation.
The Wadi Hanifa Dam is one of the five dams in Riyadh which together have a storage capacity of 12 million cubic meters. The other dams are Al-Hair, Laban, Namar and Olab.
The dams are fed only during the seasonal rains, which have spawned oasis villages around Wadi Hanifa. A date factory bearing the same name is located in the area. Wadi Hanifa has high tourism potential as it sits close to the ruins of the ancient town of Al-Hunai.
The plan to develop Wadi Hanifa for agricultural and recreational purposes follows a ministerial council resolution passed in March 1999.
A young Saudi , Abdul Aziz Adel, told Arab News that with the approaching beautiful climate that start emerging here in Riyadh region these places will be the most attractions for both Saudis and expatriates residing in the capital.
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has been active in developing huge heritage and tourism projects being undertaken in Riyadh in collaboration between the SCTA and the municipality.
King Abdul Aziz Historic Center, the National Museum, Al-Thumama Park, Prince Salman Oasis for Science and Al- Musmak Museum are some of major tourist and heritage centers in Riyadh.
Al-Turaif District in Al-Diriyah, listed in the UNESCO’s world heritage sites, is situated in the city’s suburbs. It is a historic oasis located on the banks of Wadi Hanifa that has attracted urban settlements. Al-Turaif district was the first capital of the Saudi Kingdom.
The district includes the remains of many palaces and an urban ensemble built on the edges of the Al-Diriyah oasis. It bears witness to the Najdi architectural style, which is specific to the center of the Arabian Peninsula.
But Salam Park, along Fahad road in the hear of the capital has attracted thousands of visitors on the first day of Eid Al-Adha on Friday. Centrally located near the Masmak Fort, it is destined to be a hit with city residents.
Visitors are particularly attracted to the large central boating and fishing lake and the profusion of lush grass and trees.
“With its green landscaping and artificial lake with colorful boats, this park reminds me of Qanateer Park in Cairo,” said Fathi Bayoumi, a visitor from Egypt.
Camping out for the day with his family, he said that he had to arrive early at the park to avoid the rush.
“I had to come early to secure a parking space and to claim a good corner in the park for my family, where I can enjoy with Eid cuisine, fresh air from the lake and soothing breeze from the park trees,” he said.
“The park even offers the Eid visitors opportunity for fishing,” said Rashid Saad Al-Mehaizi, park project manager, who was in hand to help the crowds.
Al-Mehaizi said that about 10,000 visitors came to visit the park Friday.
“We are providing satisfactory services in terms of cleanliness and healthy environment,” said the park official, adding that entry for the elderly and the disabled is free. “We also provide fishing equipment in the park as part of the entertainment program.”
The park facilities include four prayer buildings, bathrooms, snack kiosks and 300-car parking spaces.
It is essentially a family area and children are well catered to. Horses and donkeys provide rides for children and several play areas with swings, slides and climbing frames are on hand for the energetic. There is even a miniature train for a round-the-park ride.
“I like this fantastic view,” said Velma Robert, a Filipino nurse from Pampanga, who was taking pictures.
“I will share them with my friends and relatives through my Facebook,” she said, a big smile on her face.
“I’ve never seen this in Riyadh before and because we always spend our time in malls I am really excited to come here for the first time as if I am somewhere in the Philippines,” she said.
“The park gives us freedom in terms of social mingling and movement,” added Robert.