King Salman Park Advances Toward 2026 Opening on Former Riyadh Airbase | ArchDaily
Summary
King Salman Park in Riyadh is set to transform a former airport into a 16.9-square-kilometre green district, with phased openings planned for late 2026.
Why It Matters
This project is part of Riyadh's urban transformation agenda, aiming to enhance public access to green spaces while integrating ecological restoration and cultural development. It reflects broader trends in urban planning and sustainability in rapidly developing cities.
Key Takeaways
- King Salman Park will cover 16.9 square kilometers, transforming a former airport site.
- The park is designed to integrate ecological restoration with public amenities and cultural spaces.
- Phased openings are expected to begin in late 2026, with substantial completion targeted for 2027.
- The project emphasizes connectivity, featuring links to metro stations and bus rapid transit.
- It aims to plant approximately one million trees, addressing Riyadh's arid climate challenges.
Save this picture!King Salman Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Image Courtesy of King Salman Park Foundation & OmraniaWritten by Reyyan DoganPublished on February 18, 2026 Share ShareFacebookTwitterMailPinterestWhatsappOrhttps://www.archdaily.com/1038859/king-salman-park-advances-toward-2026-opening-on-former-riyadh-airbase Clipboard "COPY" CopyConstruction continues on King Salman Park in Riyadh, a 16.9-square-kilometre public landscape taking shape on the grounds of the city's former airport. Led by Omrania as lead design consultant, in collaboration with Henning Larsen for master planning and urban design, the project reimagines the centrally located site as a large-scale green and cultural district. Conceived as a new civic core for the capital, the park combines ecological restoration, public programming, and mixed-use development. Initial phases are expected to open in late 2026, with substantial completion targeted for 2027, following a phased construction schedule currently underway.+ 25 Save this picture!King Salman Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Image Courtesy of King Salman Park Foundation & OmraniaFirst announced in 2019 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the initiative of Mohammed bin Salman, and overseen by the King Salman Park Foundation, the project forms part of Riyadh's broader urban transformation agenda. With an estimated cost of SR 72 billion, the development aims to transform a vast, previously restricted airfield into a publicly accessible landscape int...
