In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to achieving sustainable urban development, the Qatif Governorate Municipality continues its intensive efforts to increase green spaces, announcing that the total area of green areas in the governorate has reached 1.7 million square meters. These vast spaces are distributed across 185 public parks and three carefully designed waterfronts, providing a natural and healthy haven for residents and visitors.
An integral part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030
These ambitious projects fall within a broader strategic framework aimed at achieving the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The national initiative seeks to plant billions of trees across the Kingdom to combat desertification and improve air quality, while the Vision focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Saudi cities through the “Humanizing Cities” program, which aims to create vibrant and human-friendly urban environments. The efforts of the Qatif Municipality represent a practical application of these visions at the local level, making it a model to be emulated in sustainable urban development.
Future plans and continuous development
The mayor of Qatif Governorate, Engineer Saleh bin Mohammed Al-Qarni, unveiled an ambitious plan for this year to plant 10,000 trees and 40,000 shrubs along the main streets and thoroughfares of the governorate. This plan aims not only to increase green spaces but also to create a sustainable aesthetic that enhances the visual identity of Qatif's cities and towns. Al-Qarni confirmed that the municipality has made significant progress in its projects to establish new parks covering a total area of 25,710 square meters, with a completion rate of 80%. These parks include pedestrian walkways exceeding 20,000 meters in length, designed to encourage residents to walk and adopt healthy lifestyles.
Positive impact on society and the environment
The impact of these projects extends beyond aesthetics to encompass significant environmental, social, and economic aspects. Locally, the increased green spaces contribute to a more pleasant climate, reduced pollution, and the provision of safe spaces for recreation and family gatherings. They also promote public health by encouraging physical activity and reducing stress. Regionally, these initiatives position Qatif Governorate among the leading cities in the Eastern Province in terms of quality of life and environmental sustainability, potentially attracting further investment and domestic tourism.
Upgrading and developing existing facilities
Alongside new projects, the municipality has also focused on developing existing recreational facilities. It announced the 100% completion of the installation of 15 modern amusement rides along the waterfronts of Qatif, Saihat, and Tarout. This development aims to transform the waterfronts into integrated tourist and recreational centers. Al-Qarni explained that the municipality's efforts also include rehabilitating existing parks to improve their efficiency and increase per capita green space, thus ensuring the provision of vital recreational areas that accommodate the rapid population and urban growth the governorate is experiencing.
