An shaded area has been set up at Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) for residents to escape the heat as they go about their daily errands.

Many of Riyadh’s residents visit the area to follow up on unavoidable issues, such as passport applications.

They also love driving along DQ’s concrete roads lined with ornamental plants and date trees.

“When the heat becomes unbearable, I come to this shaded area and park my car for a few minute’s rest before going back to my tasks,” said Benny M. Quiambao, a Filipino community leader. The shaded area lies near the Irish Embassy and Tuwaiq Palace.

“Sometimes, I see people come to this area just to talk without getting out of their cars,” Quiambao said.

A Sri Lankan working for a local bank also comes to the DQ for respite.

“Many of Riyadh’s residents take their breaks here because the DQ is a beautiful place. It’s a good example of urban development coupled with nature,” he said.