Al-Hair Lakes, the largest naturally occurring wetland habitat in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are located at the southern end of the Wadi Hanifa catchment basin, approximately 35 km from Riyadh city center. The lakes form a major part of the Al-Hair Reserve, which covers around 38 km² and supports a rich diversity of flora and wildlife. Serving as the final outlet for floodwaters drained from Wadi Hanifa, the area is central to the region’s environmental rehabilitation efforts.
The recreational lakes were made possible by relocating a wastewater treatment plant from central Riyadh to the nearby desert. The lakes were positioned at different levels, creating multiple individual lakes connected by a system of weirs, which also offered opportunities for landscape features such as waterfalls. Pedestrian access was carefully integrated, and the infrastructure framework was developed around the primary water features.
The Lakes Park project aimed to restore Wadi Hanifa’s ecological function, improve public accessibility, and prepare the area for recreational and investment purposes. Overall, the project supports the comprehensive rehabilitation and sustainable development of the Al-Hair Lakes area, integrating environmental restoration with recreational and infrastructural improvements.
Lighting design
ALS (Bilbao)
