Saudi- Wadi Hanifa beckons as an attractive picnic spot
(MENAFN- Arab News) RIYADH: What once used to be a site for dumping waste has now turned into an attractive resort with greenery and water bodies attracting not only people from within and outside the Kingdom but also migratory birds thanks to efforts by the government.
Wadi Hanifa or Valley Hanifa which stretches 100 km from northwest to southeast cutting through Riyadh is the place to be in general and a perfect getaway during festivals. With families and youngsters thronging the place during the current Eid Al-Fitr holidays the valley has turned into a hub of activity with picnickers enjoying barbecues sight-seeing or just relaxing.
Known in pre-Islamic era as Wadi Al-Irdh the valley was renamed as Wadi Hanifa after the principal Arab tribe of Banu Hanifa. However as time progressed the capital saw fast-pace development and industrial activities turning the place into a waste dumping area.
Significantly Riyadh's first sewage treatment facility was set up in 1982 channeling 400000-650000 cubic meters of runoff downstream daily creating a constantly expanding area of small lakes south of Riyadh and finally a new green corridor of about 100 km was formed.
According to the Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) the decision taken in 1986 to transform Wadi Hanifa into a natural reserve helped in transforming it into the largest natural resort in the Kingdom attracting citizens expatriates and foreign visitors in huge numbers.
Speaking to Arab News Abdullah Ahmad who lives in the nearby Wadi Laban said 'Hundreds of people come to enjoy the natural beauty as the valley has spectacular views water channels green corridors walk ways and picnic spots orchards and farms.'
Mohammad Naeem a visitor to the natural resort said 'I went there for a barbecue and it was the perfect place. We went around 10 p.m. but it was well lit and we faced no problems. It's a valley developing into a park and also has water bodies and is surrounded by mountains. It's beautiful and quite popular. The best part is that it is not even far from the city. So go there with your family and revel in nature.'
Notably ADA has made great efforts to clear the valley of environmental pollution and offer basic amenities to the visitors. It has appointed Buro Happold and Moriyama and Teshima architects to plan the preservation of the wetlands in the valley.
Moreover the government has invested over $100 million into an environmental rehabilitation project which includes the construction of dams to regulate water flow.
Wadi Hanifa meets Wadi Namar in Utaiqah which is another must visit picnic place in Riyadh.
Wadi Hanifa or Valley Hanifa which stretches 100 km from northwest to southeast cutting through Riyadh is the place to be in general and a perfect getaway during festivals. With families and youngsters thronging the place during the current Eid Al-Fitr holidays the valley has turned into a hub of activity with picnickers enjoying barbecues sight-seeing or just relaxing.
Known in pre-Islamic era as Wadi Al-Irdh the valley was renamed as Wadi Hanifa after the principal Arab tribe of Banu Hanifa. However as time progressed the capital saw fast-pace development and industrial activities turning the place into a waste dumping area.
Significantly Riyadh's first sewage treatment facility was set up in 1982 channeling 400000-650000 cubic meters of runoff downstream daily creating a constantly expanding area of small lakes south of Riyadh and finally a new green corridor of about 100 km was formed.
According to the Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) the decision taken in 1986 to transform Wadi Hanifa into a natural reserve helped in transforming it into the largest natural resort in the Kingdom attracting citizens expatriates and foreign visitors in huge numbers.
Speaking to Arab News Abdullah Ahmad who lives in the nearby Wadi Laban said 'Hundreds of people come to enjoy the natural beauty as the valley has spectacular views water channels green corridors walk ways and picnic spots orchards and farms.'
Mohammad Naeem a visitor to the natural resort said 'I went there for a barbecue and it was the perfect place. We went around 10 p.m. but it was well lit and we faced no problems. It's a valley developing into a park and also has water bodies and is surrounded by mountains. It's beautiful and quite popular. The best part is that it is not even far from the city. So go there with your family and revel in nature.'
Notably ADA has made great efforts to clear the valley of environmental pollution and offer basic amenities to the visitors. It has appointed Buro Happold and Moriyama and Teshima architects to plan the preservation of the wetlands in the valley.
Moreover the government has invested over $100 million into an environmental rehabilitation project which includes the construction of dams to regulate water flow.
Wadi Hanifa meets Wadi Namar in Utaiqah which is another must visit picnic place in Riyadh.
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