Prince William visits Sports Boulevard urban project in Saudi Arabia

Prince William toured part of Riyadh’s 83-mile Sports Boulevard, an environmentally sustainable urban regeneration project, and spoke with students and academics. The initiative aims to add more than four million square metres of green space and nearly 200,000 trees and is linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Prince William walked through an environmentally sustainable urban regeneration project in Riyadh on the second day of his visit to Saudi Arabia. He toured a section of the Sports Boulevard, which organisers describe as an 83-mile route linking cycling paths, horse trails, parks and cultural landmarks. The area was nominated for the Earthshot prize and includes a described 'green cultural pathway' through the city. The project was built along an old line of electricity pylons and is reported to aim to plant more than four million square metres of greenery and nearly 200,000 trees. Key details: - The Prince of Wales spoke with students during the visit and was shown an environmentally sustainable helmet. - He spoke with Osman Bakr, a physics professor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. - Sports Boulevard is described as an 83-mile programme connecting paths, trails, parks and cultural landmarks in Riyadh. - The initiative aims to add over four million square metres of green space and nearly 200,000 trees. - Organisers say the project supports the quality-of-life goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. - Later in the day he was scheduled to join young Saudi girls learning football at Misk Sports City and hear about growing participation of women in sport. Summary: The visit highlighted environmental and cultural elements of the Sports Boulevard and its role in Riyadh’s urban regeneration. William’s programme included conversations with students and academics and a planned youth football appearance at Misk Sports City. The three-day trip is framed as an effort to strengthen UK–Saudi ties, and coverage noted it is taking place amid reporting related to Jeffrey Epstein that involves members of the royal family. The prince’s remaining engagements on the visit were scheduled to continue.