Saudi Arabia plans project to cool Riyadh streets and buildings by up to 15°C

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is set to launch a significant urban cooling initiative aimed at drastically reducing temperatures across the capital. The project, designed to combat the "urban heat island" effect, seeks to lower temperatures on roads, walls, and other surfaces by as much as 15 degrees Celsius.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has appointed Greek consulting firm PLANET to lead the effort. PLANET's mandate includes developing a comprehensive cooling strategy, establishing urban planning and construction guidelines, and identifying five pilot areas for testing cooling solutions. This initiative goes beyond traditional greening efforts, focusing on the city's fundamental design and structure.

Expected to begin implementation next year, the project will explore innovative solutions such as specialized road-surfacing materials, open water channels, evaporation ponds, and increased green cover. The strategy will specifically target factors contributing to heat retention, including paving materials, building facades, and pedestrian walkway components. The study, slated for completion within 12 months, will provide a roadmap for tackling Riyadh's heat challenges before wider implementation.

This ambitious project aims to complement existing urban development projects in Riyadh, such as King Salman Park, by addressing the city's thermal environment more holistically. While studies and final approvals are still pending, and cost estimates remain undisclosed, the initiative signals a proactive approach to mitigating the impacts of rising urban temperatures in one of the world's fastest-growing metropolitan areas.

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support a strategic initiative to tackle urban heat challenges in one of the world's fastest-growing metropolitan areas.