Improving the urban landscape of Qatif: Planting 73,000 trees and removing waste
In a pioneering step reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the Qatif Governorate Municipality announced the implementation of a comprehensive package of development and service projects. These projects primarily aim to improve the urban landscape of Qatifand develop its infrastructure to enhance the quality of life for citizens and residents during the first quarter of the year.
The historical roots of agriculture and Saudi green initiatives
Qatif Governorate is one of the oldest agricultural oases in the Arabian Peninsula, historically renowned for its fertile land and abundant palm groves. In this context, current efforts to revive this environmental heritage align with the Saudi Green Initiative and the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programs. The focus on increasing green spaces is not merely cosmetic; it is an extension of the region's historical identity. The municipality's operational system has resulted in the maintenance of over 1.3 million square meters of green spaces, in addition to the planting of 73,097 trees and flowers to enhance vegetation cover, thus restoring Qatif's natural splendor.
Intensive field work to support the improvement of the urban landscape in Qatif
To ensure the highest standards of safety and urban aesthetics, the municipality stated that fieldwork included repairing 780 square meters of street potholes and painting 1,440 meters of sidewalks. In addition, 2,305 streetlights were maintained and repaired to improve traffic safety on various roads throughout the governorate.
Authorities reported removing 410 square meters of graffiti from walls and clearing approximately 14,521 cubic meters of construction and demolition debris. They also addressed the condition of 2,490 waste containers within residential areas. Field teams further noted that they tackled visual pollution by removing 311 concrete diversions and barriers, taking down two illegal billboards, and dismantling an entire informal settlement to promote spatial order.
The strategic impact of facility safety and quality of life
The importance of these projects extends beyond the environmental aspect, encompassing health, social, and economic impacts at both the local and regional levels. Locally, these efforts contribute to providing a safe and healthy environment for families, as evidenced by the municipality's upgrading of 5,459 children's playgrounds to enhance their readiness. Furthermore, inspection teams conducted 4,655 visits, resulting in the issuance of 12,856 health certificates to ensure the safety of food and commercial establishments, thereby boosting consumer confidence and supporting the local economy. Regionally, these achievements position Qatif Governorate as a model to be emulated in the Eastern Province in the field of sustainable urban management.
A sustainable future vision
In this context, the Mayor of Qatif Governorate, Engineer Saleh Al-Qarni, affirmed that these achievements are the fruit of an operational approach based on "integrating efforts and raising the level of field performance." Al-Qarni concluded his statement by noting the municipality's full commitment to continuing its development plans according to clear priorities, in line with the objectives of comprehensive development and achieving "a more organized and sustainable urban environment," consistent with the aspirations of the wise leadership in building a vibrant society and a thriving environment.
