Cityscape Global 2024: Redefining Urban Living in Riyadh
How Riyadh Is Leading in Active Travel, Greener Cities, and Cultural Integration
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From November 11–14, I attended the Cityscape Global Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—a showcase of ambition, innovation, and vision shaping the future of real estate. Hosting over 170,000 delegates from across the globe, the event was an inspiring display of optimism—a refreshing contrast to the economic challenges being felt in parts of Europe.
What truly stood out was how the projects addressed pressing global challenges such as urban greening, alternative mobility, and cultural preservation. This newsletter highlights the key themes from Cityscape Global and what they mean for cities worldwide.
Today’s topics include:
Active Travel – Sports Boulevard Foundation Project
Greening the City – King Salman Park Foundation
Integrating the Past with the Future – Diriyah Development
Why These Themes Matter Globally
Key Takeaways from Cityscape Global
Let’s dive in.
1. Active Travel in Action: The Vision of the Sports Boulevard Project
The Sports Boulevard Foundation Project in Riyadh is a trailblazing initiative that makes active travel a cornerstone of sustainable urban living. This project establishes a network of pathways, parks, and recreational spaces to encourage walking, cycling, and non-motorized transportation.
Key features include:
Dedicated cycling and pedestrian lanes
Landscaped green spaces
Community recreational hubs
These features not only improve mobility but also encourage healthier lifestyles and social interaction, addressing the global rise in lifestyle-related diseases.
A standout feature of this project is the creation of a new Design Code. This guide helps landowners of adjacent plots develop properties with consistent design rules, setting a precedent for Riyadh’s urban growth.
The Sports Boulevard is more than a transportation project; it’s a vision for how cities can design environments that foster health, well-being, and community.
2. Greening Riyadh: Inside the King Salman Park Initiative
The King Salman Park Foundation is spearheading an ambitious plan to create one of the world’s largest urban parks. Covering over 13 square kilometers, the park will transform Riyadh’s urban landscape with its expansive greenery and focus on sustainability.
Key highlights of the project include:
Extensive landscaped areas with native plants that thrive in Riyadh’s arid climate.
Walking and cycling paths designed for active outdoor living.
Recreational and cultural facilities that enhance community engagement.
This initiative also addresses critical environmental challenges, such as urban heat islands and biodiversity loss, while improving air quality and creating habitats for wildlife.
The King Salman Park project exemplifies how green spaces can be transformative, improving both ecological balance and residents' quality of life.
3. Blending Heritage and Progress: The Diriyah Development Model
The Diriyah Development project is a remarkable example of how cultural heritage can harmoniously coexist with modern urban development. Located just outside Riyadh, this UNESCO World Heritage site is being revitalized to preserve Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity while integrating modern amenities.
Visiting Diriyah firsthand, I was impressed by the meticulous work being done. The development balances the restoration of traditional mud-brick structures with modern additions like museums, galleries, and retail spaces. The ancient backdrop creates a stunning setting that highlights the richness of Saudi history.
Another standout achievement is the planting of over 6 million trees, plants, and shrubs, which is visibly transforming the area into a vibrant, sustainable space.
By embracing its past while looking to the future, Diriyah demonstrates how cities can celebrate cultural heritage while inspiring progress.
4. Global Implications of Riyadh’s Cityscape Innovations
The themes showcased at Cityscape Global—active travel, urban greening, and cultural preservation—are relevant not only to Riyadh but to cities worldwide.
Here’s why:
Active Travel Solutions: The Sports Boulevard Project highlights the need for sustainable, health-focused mobility solutions—a pressing challenge for all urban centers.
Urban Green Spaces: The King Salman Park demonstrates the transformative impact of green spaces in mitigating climate challenges like urban heat islands and biodiversity loss.
Heritage Preservation: The Diriyah Development shows how preserving cultural heritage can coexist with modernization, offering a roadmap for "Heritage 2.0."
These initiatives are proof that cities can address global challenges while enhancing the quality of life for their residents.
5. Key Takeaways from Cityscape Global
Cityscape Global was more than just a conference—it was a blueprint for the future of urban development. The projects presented weren’t just about physical structures; they represented a transformative shift in urban development philosophy.
Here are my key takeaways:
People-Centric Development: The focus on human well-being, health, and community-building was evident across all projects.
Sustainability at the Core: From urban greening to active travel, every project prioritized sustainability as a fundamental principle.
Cultural Integration: By preserving history while embracing innovation, these projects set a standard for creating culturally rich and dynamic urban environments.
Most importantly, these developments aim to leave a lasting legacy for the citizens of Saudi Arabia—a legacy that enhances their lives today and prepares them for a more resilient tomorrow.
Conclusion
Cityscape Global 2024 was an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when cities embrace innovation, sustainability, and cultural preservation. For real estate developers and investors, these projects are more than inspiring examples—they’re a call to action.
By adopting these principles, we can shape cities that are healthier, greener, and culturally richer for generations to come. The lessons from Riyadh challenge us to think beyond profit and structures, envisioning urban spaces that truly prioritize people and the planet.
Saudi Arabia is not only open for business but also open to bold, forward-thinking partnerships. Now is the time to forge relationships and explore opportunities in this rapidly evolving market.
That’s all for today.
See you next week!
Weekly Sources:
Cityscape Global 2024: The Future of Real Estate in Saudi Arabia (
https://cityscapeglobal.com/
) (Reading Time: 5 minutes)
This official page provides an overview of Cityscape Global 2024, detailing the event’s focus on sustainable and smart city developments in Saudi Arabia, including key projects and initiatives presented during the conference.
Sports Boulevard Project – Royal Commission for Riyadh City (https://www.rcrc.gov.sa/en/projects/sports-boulevard-project) (Reading Time: 4 minutes)
This resource outlines the Sports Boulevard Project, a 135 km linear park in Riyadh aimed at promoting active lifestyles through dedicated pathways for walking, cycling, and other non-motorized transportation, contributing to the city’s sustainable urban development.
King Salman Park – Vision 2030 (https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en/explore/projects/king-salman-park) (Reading Time: 3 minutes)
This page describes the King Salman Park initiative, set to become one of the world’s largest urban parks, enhancing Riyadh’s green spaces and offering various recreational and cultural facilities to improve residents’ quality of life.
Diriyah Development – Diriyah Gate Development Authority (
https://www.dgda.gov.sa/
) (Reading Time: 5 minutes)
This site provides insights into the Diriyah Development project, focusing on preserving the historical significance of Diriyah while integrating modern infrastructure to create a vibrant cultural and tourist destination.
Cityscape Global 2024: Showcasing Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate Opportunities (https://www.cityam.com/cityscape-global-2024-showcasing-saudi-arabias-real-estate-opportunities/) (Reading Time: 4 minutes)
This article discusses the outcomes of Cityscape Global 2024, highlighting significant real estate deals and the event’s role in positioning Riyadh as a burgeoning hub for global real estate investment.
— Carlo
Founder and Managing Director Benigni
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