RIYADH: The construction of King Abdullah Gardens on the outskirts of Riyadh is advancing rapidly, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Major structural elements and key facilities have been completed at the site, which, at 2,000,000 sq. meters, will be one of the world’s three largest covered botanical gardens.
The project is one of Riyadh’s most prominent environmental initiatives and aims, according to the SPA, to “dramatically expand the city’s green spaces and enhance the overall quality of life of its residents.”
The site will feature a diverse array of environments including water, desert and floral gardens, alongside dedicated areas for birds and reptiles. There will also be “installations catered towards children to make the gardens a family-friendly attraction,” while “providing scientific and educational value, the project includes a botanical museum and a gene bank,” the SPA noted, adding that the site will also offer recreational facilities, cafés, markets and playgrounds, “creating a comprehensive environment that encourages visitor engagement with nature.”
Work on the project began in 2014 under the late King Abdullah and includes several botanical gardens, divided into two sections. The centerpiece of the project is a paleobotanic biome building, formed as two interlocking crescents which accommodate a sequence of controlled environments covering 90,000 sq. meters. One section is fully covered and is five times the size of the Eden project in Britain. This covered section will “display the evolution of plant life in the Arabian Peninsula over the centuries,” the SPA reported.
“The KAGA project reflects Riyadh’s broader development vision, establishing a sustainable urban destination that seamlessly integrates environmental, cultural and educational experiences,” the SPA concluded.
