Wadi Hanifah features in RTPI ‘Planning is Global 3’ publication

The Wadi Hanifah project featured as a case study in the recent Royal Town Planning Institute’s ‘Planning is Global 3’, a publication highlighting the crucial role of planning in addressing global water challenges.

Wadi Hanifah is a 120km long, 4500km2 watershed that passes through the city of Riyadh. Buro Happold served as the engineer for the rehabilitation of Wadi Hanifah and has since remained a pivotal client advisor, offering expertise in stormwater and flood engineering and spatial planning, among other areas. The rehabilitation project began in 2001 and lasted around six years; since then, our specialist teams have provided support from 2010 until the present day.

The Wadi Hanifah project entailed the rehabilitation of approximately 40km of the wadi into linear parkland, incorporating the establishment of several parkland nodes to enhance public amenities alongside the linear park. Image: Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

The role of urban planning

Effective planning is essential for tackling global water challenges by integrating water management solutions, such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), into city design and development.

Planners play a crucial role in identifying and implementing a multi-disciplinary approach to water management. By collaborating with engineers, environmental scientists, policymakers, and other key stakeholders, this holistic strategy ensures water management is sustainable and tailored to the specific needs of each urban area.

Ultimately, this approach results in improved water quality, enhanced ecosystem health, and the long-term resilience of cities against flooding and other water-related challenges.

I’m proud to highlight the pivotal role of urban planners in the evolution of Wadi Hanifah, featured in ‘Planning is Global 3’. This project guides Riyadh’s urban landscape towards resilience and community enrichment, underscoring the planner’s significance in shaping sustainable futures.

Faris Hussain, KSA strategic planner
Families relaxing by the waterway
The Wadi Hanifah Flood Management Plan acts as a benchmark for future flood risk management and mitigation work. Image: Royal Commission for Riyadh City