RIYADH MASTERPLAN
REMODELLING RIYADH Te Arriyadah Development Authority is working on a series of projects and initiatives designed to transform Riyadh and its outlying districts into a model city for the future. Cityscape magazine looks at some of the projects under development.
NEW NETWORKS According to a recent government study, traffic is growing at the same rate as the city’s population. Riyadh’s road network plays an important role in
grouping and defining the architectural landscape of the city and the government has allocated substantial resources to developing a modern transportation system that will facilitate the flow of traffic within the city as well as increasing connectivity between Riyadh and other key destinations in the Kingdom. A programme of ongoing improvements and expansion is focusing on fast highway connections from north to south on King Fahad Road and from east
to west on Makkah Road, as well as the development of a much-needed ring road system. In total, some 1,322 kilometres of highway and road systems are being developed, complemented by 1,600 kilometres of service roads and 12,700 kilometres of ‘local’ streets.
CULTURAL CONTENT Te Authority is also investing time and resources into developing the city’s cultural component, which has seen the opening of the new Masmak Museum -which houses permanent and rotating exhibits showcasing the path to unification of the Kingdom – as well as a number of other initiatives. Riyadh’s Embassies Quarter also now boasts a Science Oasis, which was launched to contribute to the enrichment of Riyadh’s cultural life. Tis interactive museum features exhibits specially selected to communicate the important role of Arab and Muslim scholars in different areas of science and their contribution to human knowledge, with a particular focus on outer space and astronomy.
RURAL RENEWAL Te natural beauty of the landscape surrounding Riyadh is also enjoying government attention and investment into a number of projects, one of which is the Tumamah Open Resort, located 85 kilometres north-east of Riyadh. A newly designated national park, Arriyadah Development Authority has been tasked with the development of the 170-square-kilometre site, which is being rezoned as a recreational destination and cultural centre. Te Authority is calling on the private sector to get involved in the project and has developed a general investment prospectus to showcase the different investment opportunities. Another high profile project is the development of the nearby town of Ad’Diriyah, which overlooks the famous Wadi Hanifa. A site of historical importance, as
the capital of the first Saudi state, the preservation of this historic town is being strictly monitored as the government seeks to enrich the cultural landscape and drive social and economic development in the region. A heritage village and museum, Islamic heritage centre, field studies section and traditional model farm are all under development. Te Authority is also using the project as a platform to involve local expertise in economic and construction-led development as well as to - once again - encourage private sector participation l
12 I CITYSCAPE I NOVEMBER 2011
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