Makkah Gardens: A destination for visitors during the mid-year break
Makkah's parks and gardens are witnessing a remarkable surge in visitors, both from within the holy city and from pilgrims and visitors from other regions, coinciding with the mid-year break . These green spaces are transforming into vibrant urban havens, directly contributing to improving the quality of life and promoting healthy lifestyles within the holy city, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
A developmental vision to enhance quality of life
These parks are not merely places for fleeting recreation; they are part of a broader strategic framework adopted by the Kingdom through the "Quality of Life Program" and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative. These projects aim to increase per capita green spaces, create a sustainable urban environment that encourages exercise and walking, and provide safe spaces for family gatherings. This reflects the urban development witnessed in the Kingdom's cities, particularly in Mecca, which combines its religious spirituality with its urban development.
Numbers reflect the scale of the achievement
The Holy Capital Municipality revealed a massive infrastructure for environmental recreation, with Makkah Al-Mukarramah boasting a wide network of facilities including:
- 294 public parks carefully distributed across the neighborhoods.
- The total area of green spaces, squares and playgrounds exceeds 2,039,993 square meters .
- 83 squares and 184 sports fields.
- 11 pedestrian walkways to promote walking.
- Aesthetic features include 11 fountains and 5 clubs.
The municipality also paid great attention to the vegetation cover, as these sites contain more than 174,264 trees and 7,069 palm trees , which contributes to cooling the atmosphere and reducing temperatures, as well as the aesthetic appearance that adorns the roads and main axes with a length of afforestation exceeding 1.7 million linear meters.
Comprehensive services and world-class standards
The relevant authorities ensured that these facilities were accessible to everyone, equipping the parks with expansive green spaces, safe children's play areas, and shaded seating areas for families. To further promote inclusivity, special pathways and facilities were provided for people with disabilities to guarantee easy access and unhindered enjoyment of the services. Safety and on-site monitoring were also enhanced through:
- Intensify routine maintenance work.
- Improving lighting networks and directional signs.
- Increase the number of waste containers and pay attention to public hygiene.
Sustainable social and environmental impact
Today, these gardens serve as important social gathering places that strengthen family bonds and provide an ideal setting for pilgrims to relax and unwind in a natural environment after performing their rituals. The Holy Capital Municipality affirms its commitment to ongoing development and studies for new projects, further solidifying Makkah's position as a world-class city with comprehensive services, one that considers both human and environmental aspects alongside its sacred status in the hearts of Muslims.
