Saudi Arabia set to launch Riyadh cooling project by 2027

Saudi Arabia is set to begin the Riyadh cooling project next year, to reduce asphalt and wall temperatures by 8-15°C through urban cooling technologies, Al Eqtisadiah newspaper reported.

The project is pending completion of studies as well as final approvals. It aims to address heat islands across the city, without specifying particular districts for the first phase.

The temperature-reduction mechanisms include using innovative materials in road paving, treatment of materials surrounding walkways, developing open water channels and evaporation ponds, in addition to afforestation.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) appointed PLANET as the lead consultant for the Riyadh Strategic Cooling Project, an initiative aimed at addressing urban heat challenges in the Saudi capital, data compiled by Argaam showed.

Implemented under the Riyadh Green Program, the project includes developing a citywide cooling strategy, preparing urban planning and building materials guidelines, and identifying five pilot zones to test innovative cooling solutions.