16 – 18 June 2025

4 PM – 10 PM Daily

Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center

Saudi Arabia Launches Phase 1 of Sports Boulevard Foundation

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Sports Boulevard Foundation has announced the opening of Phase I of its ambitious Sports Boulevard project in Riyadh featuring five key destinations. Designed to enhance Riyadh’s global ranking, the project aims to position the city among the world’s most livable destinations.

With this, the total completed length of the mega Saudi project now stands at 83km with overall progress reaching 40%.

The project 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, said SBF in a statement.

The Big Picture

Launched by King Salman bin Abdulaziz in 2019, the project continues to receive the dedicated attention and support of HRH the Crown Prince.

The Phase I launch was announced on February 26 at the Sports Boulevard Foundation Board of Directors meeting held under the chairmanship of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

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 and the first phase of Sands Sports Park.

The Five Key Destinations

Phase I of the project introduces five major destinations:

Wadi Hanifah – A 13.4 km stretch featuring pedestrian pathways, cycling and equestrian trails, green spaces, and rest areas. It extends from Al Olab Dam to Jeddah Road, passing through Diriyah Gate.

The Promenade – A 4 km urban destination designed in Salmani architecture style, offering cycling paths, walking trails, playgrounds, retail outlets, and bicycle rental centers.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman & Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Awwal Intersection – Home to the Arts Tower, a striking geometric installation inspired by electricity towers, interacting with sunlight to create unique reflections.

Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Internal Loop – A 20 km cycling and pedestrian track seamlessly connecting university facilities, improving accessibility for students, staff, and the public.

Sands Sports Park – Located southeast of King Khalid International Airport, featuring mountain bike trails, BMX tracks, hiking trails, equestrian paths, and the Najdi Flower cycling route spanning 45 km. Over 350,000 sq m of sand dunes have been rehabilitated to enhance the natural landscape.

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.

Key Infrastructure Enhancements

The Cycling Bridge serves as a key landmark connecting Wadi Hanifah and The Promenade, featuring separate pedestrian and cycling paths to ensure safe and sustainable mobility.

Meanwhile, the Arts Tower, located at the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road and Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Road, stands as a striking geometric installation designed to create unique light reflections, making it a distinctive visual focal point within the development.

Public Opening & Future Developments

The five destinations of Phase I will open to visitors on February 27, 2025.

Meanwhile, construction continues on additional project destinations, including the Urban Wadi Destination, the King Abdulaziz Road Underpass, and the Abi Bakr Al-Siddiq Road Underpass.

As part of its development, more than 350,000 sq m of sand dunes have been rehabilitated to enhance the natural landscape. The park also offers retail outlets and specialized centers for bicycle rentals and accessories.

Why the launch matters?

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.