Riyadh residents have praised the government for the upgraded roads, pedestrian walkways and other public facilities in the Al-Shumaisi area near the Qasr Al-Hoqm district in the capital city.
The plan is to improve traffic flow to major markets and neighborhoods, beautify the area and attract more investment. The Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) has undertaken the project that includes the improvement of road networks that link Qasr Al-Hoqm, a district of historical importance, with outlying surrounding areas.
The area around Imam Turki bin Abdullah Street, which runs southwest of Qasr Al-Hoqm towards King Saud Medical City (KSMC), popularly known as Shumaisi Hospital, has seen major developments in streets, roads, expressways and public utility networks.
“The final stage of the project will be the installation of light poles. But we hope that it will be done before the Saudi National Day on Sept. 23 so we have more reasons to celebrate,” said Muhamed Al-Hussini, a Saudi youth who plays football in a community playground near the former Shumaisi roundabout in the evenings.
However, to make provision for the increased traffic, the “Dawarah Shumaisi” or famous roundabout, which was a prominent landmark in the area between KSMC and the historic site, was removed. “For many expatriate workers, the wide, circular and grass-covered roundabout served as a place to relax after the day’s work,” said Al-Hussini.
“We are happy to see the developments. The modern construction ensures a comprehensive traffic system but also complements the beautification and functionality of the locality,” said Thomas Abraham, a supermarket proprietor near KSMC.
A new one-way traffic system has seen a considerable easing of the traffic congestion in the area. This is especially beneficial for emergency services vehicles heading to KSMC.
Most residents have welcomed the development plans but some residents and market-goers find the one-way road system inconvenient because they are still not accustomed to it.
After the construction of the one-way traffic system, all the major commercial complexes and traditional souks (markets) in the area could only be reached from the north and east of Al-Masmak Fort. So two parallel routes were created along Imam Mohammed bin Saud and Imam Turki bin Abdullah streets connecting the city center with KSMC.
Shazia Quraishi, a medical professional living near the hospital’s main gate, said: “It was previously only a five minute drive to the Suweiqah Souk Complex for shopping and to Shareh Sweili for our children’s stationary, books, toys and other school requirements.”
“Now because of the new one-way traffic system, we end up spending almost 15 to 20 minutes taking subsidiary lanes to meet the intersection just ahead of the grand mosque near Mughaeliah Square. However, we enjoy the quick drive back home on Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Street with the one-way traffic.”
There have also been major improvements of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah, Thumairi, Imam Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab, Sheikh Mohammed bin Ibrahim and Yahya bin Aktham streets. This includes upgrades of water, electricity, telephone, sewage and drainage networks throughout the district.
Phase three of the Qasr Al-Hoqm Development Program covers an area of 320,000 square meters with construction of communication links between the city center and neighboring suburbs.
Riyadh’s upgraded facilities welcomed
