Crown Prince Chairs Approval of Global Sports Tower Designs

Riyadh, July 10, 2024 — The Board of Directors of the Sports Boulevard Foundation (SBF), chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board, has approved the designs for the Global Sports Tower, a record-breaking landmark set to rise along Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road in Riyadh. The decision marks a major milestone in the Sports Boulevard project, one of the Saudi capital’s most ambitious urban initiatives, and underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture and enhancing quality of life in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Context and Background

The Sports Boulevard project was launched on March 19, 2019, by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and is chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. It spans more than 135 kilometers along Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road, connecting Wadi Hanifah in the west with Wadi Al Sulai in the east. The project is designed to create a seamless urban environment featuring safe green pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, athletes, and horse riders, alongside over 4.4 million square meters of greenery and open spaces, up to 50 multidisciplinary sports facilities, and more than 3 million square meters of unique destinations and investment zones.

The approval of the Global Sports Tower designs represents a significant step forward in realizing this vision. As the tallest sports tower in the world, standing at 130 meters, it will serve as a beacon of Riyadh’s transformation into a global hub for sports and wellness.

Key Details of the Global Sports Tower

The Global Sports Tower will encompass a total internal area of 84,000 square meters and host more than 30 different sports facilities. Among its standout features is the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, reaching 98 meters, which will cater to climbers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. The tower will also be crowned with the world’s highest running track—a fully digitized, 250-meter circuit that offers athletes a unique training experience with panoramic views of Riyadh.

Its architectural design adheres to the Sports Boulevard Design Code, which is driven by the principles of Salmani architecture, blending originality and modernity. This distinctive approach ensures the tower becomes an iconic landmark on Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and across the entire city. The tower is poised to promote sports participation at all levels and contribute to a healthier, more active society.

Implications and Impact

The Global Sports Tower is expected to have a profound impact on Riyadh’s urban landscape and the Kingdom’s international standing. By providing world-class facilities, it will encourage grassroots sports participation and help nurture local talent, while also attracting international events and visitors. The tower aligns with the Sports Boulevard’s broader goals of improving infrastructure, promoting sustainable urban development, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Moreover, the project reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to creating a regenerative environment that supports economic diversification and positions Riyadh among the top 10 economies globally. The tower’s innovative features and iconic design are set to draw global attention, further elevating the Kingdom’s profile as a destination for sports, tourism, and investment.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Global Sports Tower and the wider Sports Boulevard project are integral to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance quality of life, promote a vibrant society, and build a diversified economy. By fostering a real sports renaissance, the project not only elevates the Kingdom’s international ambitions but also provides facilities that encourage community-wide participation in sports. As Riyadh continues to evolve into a world-class city, the Global Sports Tower stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking vision and its commitment to sustainable, regenerative urban development.

20 Questions

Q1. What did the Board of Directors of the Sports Boulevard Foundation approve?

A1. The Board approved the designs for the Global Sports Tower, a landmark within the Sports Boulevard project on Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road in Riyadh.

Q2. Who chaired the Board of Directors meeting?

A2. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sports Boulevard Foundation, chaired the meeting.

Q3. How tall will the Global Sports Tower be?

A3. The Global Sports Tower will stand at 130 meters, making it the tallest sports tower in the world.

Q4. What is the total internal area of the tower?

A4. The tower will have a total internal area of 84,000 square meters.

Q5. How many sports facilities will the tower include?

A5. The tower will include more than 30 different sports facilities, catering to a wide range of athletic activities.

Q6. What unique feature will the tower have regarding climbing?

A6. It will feature the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, reaching 98 meters, suitable for climbers of all levels from beginner to professional.

Q7. What is special about the running track on the tower?

A7. The tower will be crowned with the world’s highest running track, a fully digitized 250-meter circuit offering athletes a unique training experience with views of Riyadh.

Q8. What architectural style does the tower follow?

A8. The tower follows the Sports Boulevard Design Code, driven by Salmani architecture principles that blend originality and modernity.

Q9. When was the Sports Boulevard project launched?

A9. The Sports Boulevard project was launched on March 19, 2019, by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Q10. How long is the Sports Boulevard project?

A10. The project extends for more than 135 kilometers along Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road, connecting Wadi Hanifah in the west with Wadi Al Sulai in the east.

Q11. What amenities does the Sports Boulevard include?

A11. It includes safe green pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, athletes, and horse riders, over 4.4 million square meters of greenery, up to 50 sports facilities, and more than 3 million square meters of investment zones.

Q12. How does the tower contribute to Saudi Vision 2030?

A12. The tower supports Vision 2030 by enhancing quality of life, promoting sports participation, and contributing to a sustainable, regenerative environment that elevates the Kingdom’s international standing.

Q13. What is the significance of the tower’s location?

A13. Located on Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road, the tower will be a distinctive landmark in Riyadh, easily accessible and visible across the city.

Q14. Will the tower be open to the public?

A14. Yes, the tower aims to promote sports culture among all members of society, providing world-class facilities for community use and encouraging grassroots participation.

Q15. What economic impact is expected from the project?

A15. The project is expected to positively influence the Kingdom’s economy by attracting investment, creating jobs, and positioning Riyadh as a top global city.

Q16. Who can use the climbing wall?

A16. The climbing wall is designed for climbers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, allowing everyone to enjoy the world’s fastest-growing sport.

Q17. What views will athletes enjoy from the running track?

A17. Athletes will enjoy some of the best views of Riyadh while training on the world’s highest running track.

Q18. How does the tower reflect Salmani architecture?

A18. The tower’s design applies Salmani architecture principles, which are based on originality and modernity, making it a unique landmark in Riyadh.

Q19. What is the role of the Sports Boulevard Foundation?

A19. The Sports Boulevard Foundation oversees the development of the Sports Boulevard project, ensuring it meets its goals of enhancing quality of life and promoting sports in Riyadh.

Q20. What are the future plans for the Sports Boulevard project?

A20. The project will continue to develop integrated infrastructure, including pedestrian pathways, cycling tracks, and horse-riding trails, to create a futuristic urban environment in Riyadh.

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