RIYADH, March 19, (Xinhua) -- Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud launched on Tuesday four major well-being projects in Riyadh with a cost of 23 billion U.S. dollars, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The projects aim to significantly improve the lives of the citizens in the Saudi capital, transform the city into an attractive destination and make it one of the world's most liveable cities.
The four projects are King Salman Park, Sports Boulevard, Green Riyadh and Riyadh Art, which will offer opportunities for the private sector to invest in the residential, commercial and recreational fields.
In addition to providing tens of thousands of new jobs, the projects will also contribute to an integrated approach to health, sports, culture and arts.
King Salman Park, expected to cover an area of 13.4 square km, will be an oasis in an urban setting.
The Green Riyadh will plant 7.5 million trees in the Saudi capital, which will help increase the city's green cover from 1.5 percent of the total area to 9.1 percent by 2030.
Sports Boulevard will feature a 135-km professional cycling track covering the city and the surrounding valleys.
Riyadh Art will change Riyadh into "a gallery without walls" through a public arts program.
