National Park Development: New Investment Contracts for Vegetation Cover

The National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification signed new investment contracts for vegetation sites, including three national parks, for periods of up to 25 years. This strategic step aims to develop national parks , enhance the participation of various sectors in achieving the Kingdom's ambitious environmental goals, and support sustainable nature tourism in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Details of investment contracts in the three parks

The signed contracts included investment in the Arar National Park in the Northern Borders region, covering a vast area exceeding 14 million square meters. This project aims to provide integrated services and operational and logistical facilities, along with diverse recreational and environmental activities that serve visitors and enrich their experience. The project includes dedicated walking and cycling trails, bird and wildlife observation platforms, as well as rural lodges, caravans for accommodation, barbecue areas, restaurants, and cafes.

The contracts also included investment in the Wathilan National Park in the Riyadh region, which spans an area of ​​approximately 5 million square meters. This park is distinguished by its natural and environmental diversity and its historical and heritage value. The project includes the establishment of integrated campsites, a visit to the Jahdar al-Yamami cave, walking trails, a wildlife sanctuary, an awareness center, and an area designated for restaurants and cafes.

The third project is the development of the Saad National Park in the Riyadh region, covering an area of ​​up to two million square meters. The investment aims to provide an integrated tourism experience combining nature and adventure, such as safari trips, paragliding, hot air ballooning, sports fields, wellness and relaxation facilities, a botanical garden, stargazing platforms, as well as rural lodges, camping areas, and a center for teaching handicrafts.

Saudi Vision 2030 and the importance of developing national parks

These investment contracts are part of a broader Saudi Arabian initiative to protect the environment and combat climate change. Since launching Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom has prioritized sustainable environmental development. Historically, the arid regions of the Arabian Peninsula have faced the challenges of desertification and sand encroachment, prompting the establishment of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification to mitigate these phenomena and rehabilitate degraded lands through ambitious and well-planned projects that restore the region's ecological balance.

Environmental and economic impact of new projects

These projects are of paramount importance on several levels. Locally, they contribute to improving the quality of life for citizens and residents by providing green spaces equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, as well as creating new job opportunities and supporting the local economy through the promotion of ecotourism. Regionally and internationally, these initiatives enhance the Kingdom's position as a regional leader in climate action and biodiversity protection, contributing to achieving global targets for reducing carbon emissions and increasing green spaces, and providing a model to be emulated in sustainable environmental investment through effective partnerships with the private sector.