King Salman Park: Riyadh’s Iconic Urban Oasis

King Salman Park is a transformational mega project at the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, envisioned as one of the largest urban parks in the world and a cornerstone in achieving Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of greener cities, enhanced quality of life, and cultural vibrancy. Launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, this expansive urban park project spans over 16 square kilometers, integrating green spaces, cultural landmarks, sports facilities, and residential communities into a world-class destination for citizens and tourists alike.

Overview of King Salman Park

Location

King Salman Park aims to provide a rich diversity of sports, cultural, artistic, living, commercial, and recreational options for residents and visitors in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives of a vibrant, healthy society. The park’s strategic location in Riyadh connects it to seven major roads and links directly to the city’s public transport network, including five Riyadh Metro stations and multiple bus routes, promoting easy accessibility and urban connectivity.

King Salman Park Features and Attractions

Cultural and Art Facilities

At the heart of King Salman Park is the Royal Arts Complex, a cultural beacon reflecting Salmani architecture. Spanning hundreds of thousands of square meters, it includes the National Theater, capable of seating thousands, and an Arts Library dedicated to cultural scholarship. Iconic venues such as the Museum of World Cultures, Aviation Museum, Astronomy and Space Museum, Science Museum, Museum of Plants, Virtual Reality Museum, and Architecture Museum ensure a rich cultural experience. Outdoor cultural amenities like the sculpture pavilion, exhibition dome, and outdoor cinema host artistic events, performances, and educational activities that elevate Riyadh’s cultural scene.

Sports and Adventure Facilities

King Salman Park isn’t just about serene landscapes — it’s a hub for sports and adventure. The Royal Golf Course, spanning extensive areas, offers a premium experience for golf enthusiasts. The park also features a sports complex, virtual reality court, sky diving center, equestrian center, and dedicated running and biking paths. With a massive amusement park and aquapark, the park provides thrilling attractions for families and visitors of all ages.

Family and Leisure Amenities

Within the park’s vast grounds are immersive leisure spaces such as family entertainment centers, restaurants and cafés, retail spaces, and striking architectural features like elevated towers and skybridges. These elements make King Salman Park a destination where culture, lifestyle, and recreation come together.

Nature, Gardens, and Biodiversity

Green spaces are a defining element of King Salman Park. The project dedicates over 11 million square meters to lush green areas featuring Islamic style gardens, vertical gardens, maze gardens, and sanctuaries for birds and butterflies. More than one million trees will be planted, significantly boosting Riyadh’s vegetation coverage and creating habitats that celebrate biodiversity. The design also incorporates extensive water features, a central valley area, and shaded microclimates that enhance environmental sustainability and provide natural relief from the region’s arid heat.

Accessibility and Connectivity

King Salman Park’s strategic position in Riyadh makes it highly accessible, seamlessly connected to major roads and the city’s public transport infrastructure. With direct links to multiple Riyadh Metro stations and bus networks, the park supports sustainable mobility and encourages walking, cycling, and active travel across its shaded 7.2‑kilometer pedestrian and cycling routes intertwined with green corridors.

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

King Salman Park plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development. Through Green Riyadh initiatives and innovative climate-responsive design, the park promotes habitat regeneration, improved air quality, and urban cooling. The landscape’s integrated irrigation systems use recycled water, tailored for desert conditions to conserve resources sustainably. By weaving green corridors and shaded trails into the city fabric, the park fosters healthier living and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader environmental goals, including its Net Zero 2060 ambition.

Events, Activities, and Visitor Experiences

Visitors to King Salman Park can engage in cultural festivals, exhibitions, workshops, and seasonal events in expansive plazas and performance venues. From interactive museum exhibits to outdoor entertainment zones and family-centric activities, the park offers diverse experiences that foster community interaction and cultural enrichment.

King Salman Park in the Context of Riyadh and Saudi Arabia

King Salman Park complements other urban green spaces in Riyadh, such as King Abdullah Park and Salam Park, while setting new benchmarks for large-scale urban regeneration in the Middle East. As a flagship project under Saudi Vision 2030, the park contributes to Riyadh’s goal of becoming one of the world’s most livable and sustainable cities, strengthening its global cultural and recreational footprint.

Planning Your Visit

Whether you’re a resident or tourist, King Salman Park offers something for everyone — from tranquil gardens and cultural exhibitions to adventurous sports and family-friendly activities. The park’s extensive pathways, transport connectivity, and leisure options make it ideal for day visits, educational tours, or evening walks. With a variety of restaurants, cafés, and retail spaces, visitors can enjoy a full day immersed in nature, culture, and entertainment.

Conclusion

King Salman Park stands as a landmark project in Riyadh, offering an unmatched blend of culture, sports, leisure, and nature. As one of the largest urban parks in the world, it enriches Saudi Arabia’s environmental landscape, supports sustainable urban living, and strengthens Riyadh’s position as a global city for recreation, tourism, and cultural excellence.