Green Riyadh plants 15,000 trees, cuts temperatures by 5°C at Shayb Ghudwanah

According to the Saudi Gazette, the Green Riyadh Program has completed a significant environmental rehabilitation project in Shayb Ghudwanah, a tributary of the Wadi Hanifah valley. The initiative involved the planting of 15,000 native trees and shrubs, a move officials state has resulted in a localized temperature reduction of approximately 5°C. This effort is part of a broader strategy to increase vegetation cover and improve the quality of life for residents in the Saudi capital.

Beyond the reforestation efforts, the project has transformed the area into a recreational destination. The development includes a 5-kilometer natural park equipped with 22 kilometers of walking tracks, pedestrian bridges, seating areas, and facilities for sports and children's activities. These additions are designed to integrate sustainable urban planning with the natural landscape of the valley.

The Green Riyadh Program continues to focus on transforming natural valleys into sustainable urban spaces, aiming to mitigate the effects of the desert climate through large-scale landscaping. By rehabilitating tributaries like Shayb Ghudwanah, the program seeks to create accessible green spaces that serve as natural summer destinations for the public, aligning with the Kingdom's long-term environmental and urban development goals.