Wadi Hanifah: the green valley running through Riyadh

Wadi Hanifah is the long valley that runs for tens of kilometres through the Riyadh region, historically the source of water and date cultivation that allowed settlement on the plateau. For much of the twentieth century it suffered from neglect and pollution as the city expanded, but a major rehabilitation programme has turned stretches of it into one of the capital's most pleasant open spaces.

The restoration work, led by the authorities responsible for the city's development, included cleaning the watercourse, using natural bio-remediation methods, replanting native vegetation and creating landscaped parks along the banks. The result is a green corridor where residents walk, cycle, picnic and gather in the cooler hours, a striking contrast to the surrounding desert plateau.

For visitors, the wadi offers a different side of Riyadh from its towers and shopping centres. Sections near Diriyah are especially popular, tying a walk along the water to the historic mud-brick district nearby. Shaded seating, walking tracks and open lawns make it suitable for families, and the calmer pace is welcome after the intensity of the city's main roads.

The best times to visit are early morning and evening, particularly during the temperate months from autumn to spring. Weekends can be busy at the most accessible parks, so arriving early helps. As with all outdoor areas, taking water and litter away is appreciated, and visitors should respect any signage around protected planting.

Reaching the wadi is easiest by car or ride-hailing app, as its parks are spread along the valley rather than concentrated at one point. Chosen well, an afternoon here is one of the most restful things to do in the capital.