A nation moving forward, a city designed to move
On Saudi National Day, Riyadh’s transformation shows how the ambitions of Vision 2030 are becoming part of everyday lifeSaudi National Day invites us to celebrate the Kingdom’s history and identity while looking with confidence toward its future. This year’s theme, “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature,” speaks to the courage, generosity, determination and ambition that have shaped Saudi society. These same qualities can be seen across the Kingdom today, as the aspirations of Vision 2030 become tangible changes in the places where people live, work and connect.Nowhere is this transformation more visible than in Riyadh. The capital is growing into a city of greater opportunity, connectivity and cultural vitality, with new destinations opening and public spaces becoming an increasingly important part of daily life. At the heart of this progress is a clear national ambition to create a healthier, more active city for everyone.The health of a city is shaped long before anyone enters a clinic or gym. It is influenced by the ease of walking to a destination, the safety of cycling, the availability of shade and greenery, and the extent to which people of different ages and abilities feel welcome in public spaces. Our surroundings shape our routines, so creating healthier habits begins with environments that make movement comfortable, practical and enjoyable.This principle lies at the heart of Sports Boulevard, one of Riyadh’s megaprojects. Launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and supported by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the project advances the Vision 2030 goals of building a vibrant society and enhancing quality of life.Stretching over 135km from Wadi Hanifah in the west to Wadi Al-Sulai in the east, Sports Boulevard is creating a connected network of routes and destinations for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and athletes. Once complete, it will include 4 million square metres of greenery and open space, alongside facilities supporting over 50 sports. Its scale is considerable, yet its purpose remains closely connected to the routines of daily life.By connecting neighbourhoods with sporting, cultural, recreational and commercial destinations, the project will make movement part of how residents experience Riyadh. A person might walk during a daily journey, while a child learns to cycle in a safe setting and a family spends an evening outdoors. An experienced athlete might train alongside someone taking the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Together, these experiences can create a city where active living is accessible, visible and shared.Designing for Riyadh also requires a thoughtful response to its climate, landscape and character. Trees, shaded spaces, rest areas and carefully planned landscaping can make outdoor activity more comfortable, while safe crossings and clearly defined routes can give pedestrians and cyclists greater confidence. Art, architecture and cultural experiences will give each destination its own identity and strengthen its relationship with the surrounding community.This approach reflects an important feature of the Kingdom’s transformation. Progress draws strength from Saudi Arabia’s identity rather than leaving it behind. The country’s values, culture and natural environment provide the foundations for new possibilities that can improve everyday life and serve future generations.The opening of Sports Boulevard’s first phase in 2025 marked an important step in this journey. Five destinations welcomed visitors, bringing the project closer to communities across the capital. With 83km completed at that stage, residents could begin to experience an ambition they had previously encountered mainly through plans, designs and construction activity.Delivering infrastructure at this scale is a significant achievement, but its enduring value will depend on how people experience and use it. Successful public spaces must respond to the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve, creating a sense of belonging as well as opportunities for activity. Community engagement and continued learning are therefore essential to ensuring that each destination remains relevant, inclusive and connected to daily life.The way people use new destinations will continue to inform the project’s development. Kilometres of pathways, trees planted and facilities delivered are important measures of progress, but the most meaningful outcomes will be found in the experiences that fill these spaces. Success will be reflected in families spending time outdoors, residents choosing to walk or cycle, and people of different ages and abilities participating more fully in city life.This is also where major urban projects can create value beyond their physical boundaries. By bringing together public investment, community participation and private-sector opportunity, they can support economic activity, strengthen neighbourhood connections and contribute to a city’s long-term competitiveness. Quality of life is increasingly central to how cities attract talent, investment and visitors, making healthy urban development both a social priority and an economic asset.On Saudi National Day, we celebrate a Kingdom moving forward with confidence and purpose under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Vision 2030 has set an ambitious direction, and its impact is increasingly visible in the opportunities and experiences being created for people each day.A healthy city gives everyone the opportunity to move, participate and belong, regardless of whether they consider themselves an athlete. Sports Boulevard Foundation is proud to contribute to that future by helping create a Riyadh that reflects the energy of its people, the character of its surroundings and the ambition of the Kingdom. * Chief Executive Officer, Sports Boulevard Foundation