Ever wondered how a dry riverbed became a lush oasis? The story of Wadi Hanifah is a testament to vision and persistence. It is located in the middle of the Najd Plateau. This is the most significant natural landmark of the region.
Wadi Hanifah stretches 120 kilometers. It reaches from the Tuwaiq Escarpment to the open desert. The valley’s depth varies greatly. It ranges from 10 to 100 meters. Its width spans from 100 to 1000 meters.
Imagine this valley as a natural drainage system. It covers 4,000 square kilometers. More than 40 tributaries feed into Wadi Hanifah. Al-Obaitah and Al-Imariyah are important tributaries. So are Safar and Al-Mahdiyah. Beir, Laban, Namar, Al-Awsat and Laha contribute from the west. Al-Aysan and Al-Bathaa flow in from the east. Around 700,000 cubic meters of water pour into Wadi Hanifah.
Historically, locals farmed along the valley. They cultivated grains, vegetables, and fruits. Ancient buildings, wells, and dams dot the landscape.
But the rapid expansion of Riyadh in the 1970s took its toll. The demand for water and construction materials increased. By the 1980s, the water table dropped. Mining and waste dumping damaged the valley. This led to groundwater contamination and soil degradation.
In 1987, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City declared Wadi Hanifah an environmental reserve. A comprehensive rehabilitation plan followed in 1994. The goal was to reverse the environmental damage. In 2002, the Wadi Hanifah Comprehensive Development Plan was approved. It became the master plan for all future activities.
The Wadi Hanifah Environmental Rehabilitation Project aimed to restore the valley’s natural balance. It also aimed to create a public space for recreation.
The project refined the watersheds. It divided them into three levels. The first level is a flowing water channel. This is fed by groundwater and drainage networks. This channel is 57 kilometers long. Its width reaches six meters in some parts. Its depth is 1.5 meters.
The second level handles seasonal floods. The valley bed was leveled to direct water flow. The third level addresses rare floods. Preparations focused on preventing violations and cleaning the valley.
The rehabilitation plan used a natural water treatment system. This system supports micro creatures. These creatures feed on organic matter in the water. This system allows reuse of treated water for agriculture and urban uses.
A bioremediation facility was established. It covers over 100,000 square meters. This facility provides oxygen to kill bacteria. It creates favorable conditions for aquatic life. The facility includes 140 bio-cells. These cells are 30 meters long and two meters deep.
The project rearranged public facilities. Aerial lines were moved underground. A 43-kilometer roadway was built. It extends from Elab Dam to Al-Mansouriya Road. The road includes 22 bridges and crossings. Over 730 signs guide visitors. New parking lots accommodate 2000 cars.
Pedestrian walkways extend 47 kilometers. These are equipped with seats and rest areas. 30,000 desert trees and 7000 palms were planted.
Six open parks were created. Architectural regulations were developed. These regulations preserve the valley’s historic character. Fences of private farms were designed to blend with the environment.
A GIS database was established. It facilitates access to environmental studies.
Wadi Hanifah Environmental Rehabilitation Project has won several awards. These include the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2010.
The project demonstrates a resilient approach. It restores the city’s identity. It balances environmental conservation with socio-economic development.
Today, Wadi Hanifah stands as a symbol of successful urban regeneration. It is a thriving ecological and recreational area. It attracts 200,000 visitors per week. It shows how landscape restoration can benefit both people and the environment.