the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has announced the development of approximately 6 million square meters of public parks in various regions of the Kingdom over the past three years through the end of 2025, through investment models in partnership with the private sector, which are expected to generate an estimated financial impact of 2.4 billion riyals by 2025.
Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Rasasma, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, explained that this expansion is an extension of the Ministry’s approach to maximizing the efficiency of municipal assets and transforming them into effective drivers of development, with a focus on improving the quality of life in cities by developing and operating public parks according to modern models that enhance operational efficiency, improve the visitor experience, and ensure the sustainability of these vital facilities.
He noted that the Ministry is working in close coordination with municipal authorities to develop sustainable models for partnership with the private sector, achieving financial sustainability and preserving the environmental and social identity of the parks—as open facilities serving various segments of society—while maintaining their public character and community role.
He explained that the scope of activities within the parks is undergoing a qualitative transformation, as they are no longer limited to traditional services, but now include an integrated system of recreational, sports, and cultural activities, alongside commercial services designed to harmonize with the surrounding environment, thereby enhancing the parks" appeal and transforming them into vibrant urban destinations.
He added that this diversity reflects the Ministry’s approach to developing parks as integrated urban platforms that contribute to revitalizing the local economy and fostering community engagement, while preserving their core function as open facilities that support healthy lifestyles and enhance quality of life.
He emphasized that the investment models adopted by the Ministry help cover part of the operating and maintenance costs, in addition to generating capital savings through the private sector’s execution of construction, development, and operational work, thereby enhancing the efficiency of municipal spending and alleviating the burden on public finances.
He also explained that the introduction of modern operational concepts and high-quality services has helped raise the standard of services within the parks, increase their appeal, and boost visitor numbers, thereby cementing their status as one of the most prominent features of the urban landscape.
Al-Rasasma noted that these efforts are part of a broader expansion of municipal investments through the ”Opportunities" portal for investment in Saudi cities "Fursat,“ which continues to offer high-quality opportunities to support cities” efforts to improve the efficiency of urban asset utilization and transform them into drivers of local economic activity.
He added: "Investment ratios were determined based on rigorous technical studies that ensure a balance between the economic dimension and the social role of parks, with the flexibility to adjust them according to project needs and feasibility studies, without compromising green spaces or the quality of the visitor experience."
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing continues to work on expanding the scope of these development models, thereby strengthening the role of public parks as sustainable urban assets that effectively contribute to supporting the local economy and improving quality of life.
