With the opening of its first phase, the Sports Path project in the capital city of Riyadh has become one of the most prominent destinations that combines sports and recreation within an integrated urban environment that enhances quality of life.
The project, overseen by the Sports Trail Foundation and chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister —may God protect him—is one of the major projects aimed at making Riyadh a more vibrant city, conducive to healthy lifestyles, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The project was launched under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud —may God support him—on March 19, 2019, as part of a series of major projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the city of Riyadh and promoting healthy lifestyles by creating an integrated sports environment that meets the needs of all segments of society. The project receives close attention and oversight from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince—may God protect him—to ensure its objectives are achieved in accordance with the highest standards.
The trail stretches 135 kilometers and connects western Riyadh with eastern Riyadh via a network of sports trails designated for walking, running, and cycling, along with a range of integrated facilities that offer visitors a comprehensive sports and recreational experience.
The first phase of the project, spanning 83 kilometers, is distributed across five main destinations. The Wadi Hanifa destination features trails stretching 13.4 km through a natural environment, while the Promenade destination, stretching 4 kilometers, an ideal environment for cyclists and hikers, along with open recreational spaces for families. The two destinations are connected by the Bicycle Bridge, which spans the intersection of King Khalid Road and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road, enabling safe and sustainable travel between the various sites.
The project also features the Arts Tower, located at the intersection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road and Prince Turki Al-Awwal Road. Its design is inspired by old electricity towers, adding an artistic and architectural dimension and serving as a prominent landmark along the sports trail.
The 20-kilometer-long internal (circular) trail at Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University provides a comprehensive sports environment within the university campus and facilitates sustainable travel by bicycle or on foot between the university’s facilities and buildings, Meanwhile, Al-Ramal Sports Park, located southeast of King Khalid International Airport, attracts enthusiasts of mountain biking, horseback riding, and running, and features trails stretching over 45 km.
With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the trail has become a favorite choice for many residents and visitors to the capital, who head there to exercise and enjoy the open air after iftar, It hosts a variety of sporting and social events, including cycling and running races, as well as sports and recreational activities that enhance the visitor experience, thereby helping to promote a culture of physical fitness in the community.
The various destinations within the project offer integrated services, including bicycle rental stations, outlets selling healthy food and beverages, rest facilities, and bicycle maintenance stations, all of which enhance the visitor experience, particularly during Ramadan evenings, which see increasing foot traffic after iftar.
The opening of the first phase of the project underscores the Al-Masar Sports Foundation’s commitment to developing sustainable urban facilities that enhance quality of life, elevate Riyadh’s global standing, and realize a vision for the future that transforms Riyadh into a modern sports city catering to all age groups.
As work continues to complete the remaining phases of the project, the Sports Trail is expected to become a major year-round attraction, combining sports, recreation, and nature in a modern environment that meets the aspirations of the capital’s residents and visitors.
