The Sports Boulevard Foundation has announced its participation in MIPIM 2025, the world’s leading real estate investment event, taking place from March 11 to 14 in Cannes, France. According to an announcement released through official Saudi channels, the foundation will join the ‘Invest Saudi’ delegation to present key investment opportunities and urban development insights, reinforcing Riyadh’s evolution into a global hub for sports, wellness, and sustainable living.
Could a single urban project reshape how the world thinks about city living? The Sports Boulevard, one of Riyadh’s most ambitious mega-projects, is set to become the world’s largest urban regeneration linear park, spanning more than 135 kilometers across the Saudi capital. Its presence at MIPIM 2025 signals a deliberate strategy to connect the Kingdom’s transformative vision with the global investment community, offering international partners a direct window into a project that integrates cutting-edge sports infrastructure, vibrant public spaces, and sustainable mobility solutions. For a global audience watching Saudi Arabia’s modernization, the message is clear: Riyadh is not simply building a park—it is building a new model for urban life.
Context and Background
What makes the Sports Boulevard different from conventional urban parks around the world? Launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on March 19, 2019, and chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the project was conceived as a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030’s quality-of-life ambitions. It aims to improve the daily experience of residents and visitors by offering integrated infrastructure, pedestrian pathways, cycling and horse-riding trails, and world-class sports facilities. The project reflects a broader national commitment to diversifying the economy and creating vibrant, healthy communities.
The first phase of Sports Boulevard opened in February 2025, marking a significant milestone. This initial phase includes five key destinations along an 83-kilometer stretch, demonstrating tangible progress on a vision that many international observers once regarded as decades away. The foundation’s participation at MIPIM 2025 builds on this momentum, positioning the project as an investable, shovel-ready opportunity rather than a long-term aspiration. For international investors, urban planners, and developers, the event offers a rare chance to engage directly with a project that is already delivering on the ground.
MIPIM, held annually in Cannes, attracts thousands of decision-makers from across the real estate, finance, and public sectors. By joining the ‘Invest Saudi’ delegation, the Sports Boulevard Foundation aligns itself with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to attract foreign direct investment and showcase bankable projects. This coordinated presence underscores how Saudi Arabia is presenting a unified, professional face to global capital markets—an approach that has become a hallmark of Vision 2030 implementation.
Key Details
What exactly does the Sports Boulevard offer to international investors? The numbers are striking. The project spans more than 135 kilometers, with over 4.4 million square meters of green spaces, 220 kilometers of cycling pathways, and an extensive 135-kilometer pedestrian network. It also includes 15 kilometers of dedicated horse-riding trails, more than 50 multidisciplinary sports facilities, and a network of tree-lined walking paths and shaded areas. These features are designed to encourage outdoor activity and redefine urban livability in a city that has historically depended on automobiles.
As of December 2024, the project has secured substantial investments, including a combined real estate investment fund valued at approximately $1.47 billion (SAR5.5 billion), which will further boost private-sector participation. At MIPIM, the foundation will engage with global investors, urban planners, and real estate developers, showcasing prime opportunities across various sectors. Sports Boulevard offers over four million square meters of gross floor area (GFA) earmarked for private-sector participation, including high-end residential units, commercial and retail spaces, and sports venues. This strategic space is poised to attract global investors and developers eager to contribute to Riyadh’s transformation.
Jayne McGivern, CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation, commented: “Sports Boulevard is more than an urban development; it’s a movement towards a healthier, more sustainable future. We are showcasing Riyadh as a global model for active living, where sports, wellness, and urban infrastructure converge to foster a thriving community. With world-class sports facilities, green mobility networks, and vibrant public spaces, the project offers unmatched investment and innovation opportunities in real estate and sustainable urban planning.” Her words capture the dual purpose of the project: to improve lives and to create a compelling investment case.
For more information, interested parties can visit the foundation’s investment portal at https://sportsboulevard.sa/en/investment-in-the-future. The project’s presence at MIPIM 2025 will include presentations, meetings, and networking sessions designed to match international capital with specific development opportunities.
International and Regional Impact
How does a project like Sports Boulevard influence perceptions of Saudi Arabia on the world stage? For international audiences, it demonstrates that the Kingdom is not only investing in oil and gas but also in the physical and social fabric of its cities. The project’s scale and ambition place it alongside other global urban regeneration landmarks, yet its integration of sports, wellness, and sustainability gives it a distinct identity. By presenting at MIPIM, the foundation signals that Riyadh is open for business and ready to collaborate with global partners.
Regionally, the Sports Boulevard supports Riyadh’s goal of becoming one of the world’s most livable cities. It complements other mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Diriyah Gate, each contributing to a diversified economic future. For neighboring countries, the project offers a model of how urban planning can address public health, environmental sustainability, and economic growth simultaneously. The foundation’s engagement at MIPIM also strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role as a bridge between regional markets and international investors, reinforcing its position as a G20 economy with global reach.
What does this mean for the broader Middle East? As cities across the region grapple with rapid urbanization, climate challenges, and the need for healthier lifestyles, the Sports Boulevard provides a replicable framework. Its emphasis on green mobility, public space, and sports infrastructure aligns with global best practices while remaining rooted in local culture and climate. The project’s success could inspire similar initiatives in other Gulf cities, further elevating the region’s standing in sustainable urban development.
Economic and Strategic Significance
Why should global investors pay attention to a linear park in Riyadh? The economic logic is compelling. With over four million square meters of GFA available for private-sector participation, the project offers a diversified portfolio of opportunities—from high-end residential units and commercial retail to sports venues and hospitality. The $1.47 billion real estate investment fund secured as of December 2024 demonstrates early confidence from institutional investors. As the project progresses, additional phases will unlock further opportunities, creating a pipeline of deals for years to come.
Strategically, the Sports Boulevard is a key enabler of Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals. By attracting foreign direct investment, it reduces reliance on hydrocarbon revenues and creates jobs in construction, tourism, hospitality, and sports. The project also supports the growth of Saudi Arabia’s leisure and entertainment sector, which is a priority under the Quality of Life Program. For international companies, partnering on the Sports Boulevard offers access to a rapidly growing market and a chance to be part of a nationally significant transformation.
Moreover, the project’s focus on sustainable mobility—including cycling paths and pedestrian networks—aligns with global ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria that many investors now prioritize. By reducing car dependency and promoting active lifestyles, Sports Boulevard contributes to lower carbon emissions and improved public health, outcomes that resonate with responsible investment mandates. This alignment makes the project attractive to a wide range of institutional investors, from sovereign wealth funds to pension funds and private equity firms.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does the Sports Boulevard embody the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030? At its core, Vision 2030 seeks to transform Saudi Arabia into a diversified, innovative, and globally connected economy while enhancing the quality of life for its citizens and residents. The Sports Boulevard directly advances these goals by creating a world-class urban environment that encourages physical activity, social interaction, and community well-being. It is a tangible expression of the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development and healthy living.
Furthermore, the project reinforces Riyadh’s position as a global city and a destination for investment, tourism, and talent. By integrating sports facilities, green spaces, and mixed-use developments, it attracts both local and international visitors, supporting the growth of the tourism and entertainment sectors. As the project continues to unfold, it will serve as a powerful symbol of Saudi Arabia’s ability to deliver on ambitious promises and to shape a future where economic prosperity and human flourishing go hand in hand.
In conclusion, the Sports Boulevard Foundation’s participation in MIPIM 2025 is more than a promotional event; it is a statement of intent. It shows that Saudi Arabia is ready to partner with the world to build a healthier, more sustainable, and more vibrant future. For international investors and urban planners, the message is clear: the future of cities is being built in Riyadh, and the Sports Boulevard is leading the way.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Sports Boulevard project?
A1. The Sports Boulevard is a mega-project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, designed to become the world’s largest urban regeneration linear park, spanning over 135 kilometers and integrating sports, wellness, and sustainable mobility.
Q2. When and where is MIPIM 2025 taking place?
A2. MIPIM 2025 is being held from March 11 to 14 in Cannes, France. It is the world’s leading real estate investment event, attracting global investors and developers.
Q3. Who launched the Sports Boulevard project?
A3. The project was launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on March 19, 2019, and is chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Q4. What is the significance of the first phase of Sports Boulevard?
A4. The first phase opened in February 2025 and includes five key destinations along an 83-kilometer stretch. It marks a major milestone in delivering the project’s vision.
Q5. How much investment has the project secured so far?
A5. As of December 2024, the project has secured a combined real estate investment fund valued at approximately $1.47 billion (SAR5.5 billion), boosting private-sector participation.
Q6. What opportunities does Sports Boulevard offer to investors?
A6. It offers over four million square meters of gross floor area for private-sector participation, including high-end residential units, commercial and retail spaces, and sports venues.
Q7. What did the CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation say about the project?
A7. CEO Jayne McGivern stated that Sports Boulevard is a movement towards a healthier, more sustainable future, showcasing Riyadh as a global model for active living and offering unmatched investment opportunities.
Q8. How does Sports Boulevard align with Saudi Vision 2030?
A8. It aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing quality of life, economic diversification, and sustainable urban development, supporting the Quality of Life Program.
Q9. What are the key features of Sports Boulevard?
A9. Key features include over 4.4 million square meters of green spaces, 220 kilometers of cycling pathways, a 135-kilometer pedestrian network, 15 kilometers of horse-riding trails, and more than 50 sports facilities.
Q10. Why is the project participating in MIPIM 2025?
A10. The foundation aims to present key investment opportunities and urban development insights, engage with global investors, and reinforce Riyadh’s evolution into a global hub for sports, wellness, and sustainable living.
Q11. What is the ‘Invest Saudi’ delegation?
A11. ‘Invest Saudi’ is the Kingdom’s official investment promotion brand, showcasing major projects and opportunities to international investors at global events like MIPIM.
Q12. How does Sports Boulevard contribute to Riyadh’s livability?
A12. By providing green spaces, sports facilities, and car-free mobility options, it encourages outdoor activity, improves public health, and enhances the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.
Q13. What economic benefits does the project bring?
A13. It attracts foreign direct investment, creates jobs in construction, tourism, and sports, and supports economic diversification away from oil dependence.
Q14. How does the project support sustainable mobility?
A14. With extensive cycling and pedestrian networks, it reduces car dependency, lowers carbon emissions, and promotes active, environmentally friendly transportation.
Q15. What is the role of the Sports Boulevard Foundation?
A15. The foundation oversees the development, investment, and promotion of the Sports Boulevard project, ensuring it meets its vision and delivers value to investors and the community.
Q16. Are there opportunities for international developers?
A16. Yes, the project offers over four million square meters of GFA for private-sector participation, inviting international developers to build residential, commercial, and sports facilities.
Q17. How does the project impact the local community?
A17. It provides accessible recreational spaces, promotes healthier lifestyles, and fosters social interaction, contributing to a higher standard of living for Riyadh’s residents.
Q18. What makes Sports Boulevard unique globally?
A18. Its scale as a linear urban park, integration of sports and wellness, and commitment to sustainability make it a pioneering model for urban regeneration worldwide.
Q19. What are the future phases of the project?
A19. While specific details are forthcoming, the project will continue to develop additional destinations and infrastructure, expanding its footprint and investment opportunities across Riyadh.
Q20. How can investors learn more about Sports Boulevard?
A20. Interested investors can visit the official investment portal at https://sportsboulevard.sa/en/investment-in-the-future for detailed information and contact points.
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