Riyadh is preparing to launch one of its most ambitious environmental and urban development projects next year, aiming to reduce temperatures across streets and urban areas by as much as 15 degrees Celsius through advanced sustainable urban cooling solutions.
According to available details, the project is designed to tackle the “urban heat island” effect, which significantly raises temperatures in densely built urban environments and asphalt-covered areas.
The initiative is expected to introduce innovative paving materials for roads and walkways, alongside open water channels, evaporation ponds, expanded green spaces, and enhanced pedestrian environments to help cool the city and improve overall quality of life.
Authorities will also study the neighborhoods most affected by rising temperatures using detailed criteria such as building density, facade materials, and open-space distribution, with the goal of developing long-term sustainable urban planning solutions.
The project complements major initiatives already underway in the capital, including Green Riyadh and King Salman Park, as part of a broader vision to transform Riyadh into one of the region’s most sustainable and livable global cities.
The initiative is also expected to become an international reference model for cities seeking innovative solutions to address climate change and rising urban temperatures worldwide.
