Green Riyadh: Urban Forestation in Saudi Arabia
As urban growth and high temperatures reshape daily life in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh is investing in a strategic programme to expand vegetation and improve liveability. Green Riyadh, one of the city’s four mega projects, is among the most ambitious urban forestation programmes worldwide. Dorsch Middle East has been appointed as Project Management Consultant (PMC) by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) to supervise the construction of the new Riyadh Green Nursery and Centre of Excellence and the rehabilitation of the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) Nursery.
The strategy targets an increase in vegetation coverage from 1.5% to 9.1% by 2030. To meet this goal, the Centre of Excellence will promote industry capability and improve the quality of locally grown trees and shrubs, while nurseries scale production for citywide planting around features and facilities. All green spaces will be irrigated with treated (recycled) water. The initiative aims to expand green space per capita, improve air quality, reduce inner city temperatures, and encourage more active lifestyles in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Disciplines
- Water and Environment
- Environment & Sustainability
Companies
DC Abu Dhabi
Dorsch Holding GmbH KSA
Client
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC)
Duration
From 2021 to 2025
Location
Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
Project Activities
- Project Management Consultancy for nursery construction and rehabilitation
- Site supervision of works across the Riyadh Green Nursery, Centre of Excellence and DQ Nursery
- Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) of construction activities
- Contractor coordination across the Green Riyadh mega project interfaces
- Programme scheduling, progress tracking and reporting to RCRC PMO
- Risk management and issue resolution during the construction phase
- Change control and scope management for entrusted duties
- Construction phase accompaniment
Impact
- Vegetation coverage increases from 1.5% to 9.1% by 2030
- Inner‑city temperature reduction
- CO2 concentration reduction and lower dust levels
- Expanded green space per capita and citywide planting supplied by nurseries using treated‑water irrigation
- Alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for improved liveability and active lifestyles
Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
We are committed to making a positive impact and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This project contributes to the following SDGs:
Companies
