ZENIA DUELL
What’s the easiest way to escape the hustle and bustle of our work life in the city? Get back to nature and embrace the great outdoors, especially now that the weather is cool enough to enjoy some fresh air! Lucky for residents and guests of the Diplomatic Quarter, we have our own little pockets of urban zen: parks that are big and small and great for both adults and kids. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to read or meditate, play sports, stroll with your loved one, have picnics with your friends, or let your kids run around and play, there’s a DQ park for you.
Best for Kids: Rock Park
Also known as Richard Bodeker Park, named after the German architect who played an important role in the landscaping of Riyadh, this park has plenty of play areas for children. It has a circular sports court great for playing informal basketball or football. The park is defined by its two huge water towers, a mini replica of Stonehenge, and plenty of beautiful fountains.
Best for Picnics: Al Arid Park
Al Arid Park boasts plenty of lush, green grass, which makes it the perfect space for setting picnic mats and baskets of food. The covered walkway around the park provides a lovely opportunity to stroll or walk.
Best for Exercise: Yamamah Park
Yamamah is the DQ’s biggest park, which means that if you walk or jog a couple of laps, you’ve done your daily exercise! The greenery keeps the park nice and cool: another advantage if you’re breaking a sweat with your power walking. You can also join outdoor yoga classes with Anda Mindfulness, which take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:00 in the morning.
Best in Views: Assidr Park
This park overlooks the fabulous wadi trail. The best time to come here is at sunset: you can look out over the city and the wadi below, contemplating the beauty of nature as the sun sets on the other side of Riyadh. It also connects to the walking track of Nafal Garden.
Best Park To Visit: General Park
This park is also known as the “Public Park”, considered as the largest park in the DQ: it has a wide area with lots of date trees. While there are no playgrounds or fountains in this garden, it has a lot of opportunities to introduce your kids to the wonders of nature and immerse in them. It has a pond and creek where you can watch the flow of the water and listen to its ripples. The chirping of the birds gives a serene vibe to the popular place.
This winter, grab the chance to get closer to nature and drink in the fresh, cool air of the Diplomatic Quarter’s beautiful parks. The DQ is home to a lot of smaller parks that have different charms and things to offer; no park is the same. Some have lush plants, fountains and sculptures, walkways, ponds, and openings to hiking trails. We suggest adding the following parks and gardens in your visit too: Al Aarudh, Al Ghatha Park, Annafel, and Assarh. Al Khuzama Park is currently the venue of one of Riyadh Season’s zones, The Groves.
Be sure to respect other visitors and remember to keep these beautiful parks tidy – take your litter home or dispose of it in the appropriate bins. Nature gives us so much – let’s give her some love in return!
Photo credit: Hachem Photography
