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Shams Alriyadh embodies Dar Alarkan’s vision of providing choice affordable homes to Saudi Arabia’s middle-income group. Rising from a development resource of SR6B, it will offer 8000 multi-sized apartments and villas that will come in various styles to suite diverse tastes. This nature of this project makes it the first of its kind in the Kingdom.
Ideal Location
Set along Salbokh Road, 4km further from the North Ring Road, the Shams Alriyadh project ideally sits on high, refreshing terrain in Alderiyah, a suburb for which the government has earmarked billions of riyals for development.
The concept and design of Shams Alriyadh is consistent with the highest standards for modern residential neighborhoods. This SR6B project will have commercial structures blending with the residential units in a 5-million square-meter expanse. With integrated amenities, utilities, and other vital services, it promises to be the epitome of stylish contemporary living.
Project Economic Feasibility
The decision on Shams Alriyadh’s project site was the result of a thorough study that involved comprehensive costs analyses and market research. Professional consultancy firms - GRMC, Turner, and Clotonos - were commissioned for this purpose.
Criteria for Location and Design Selection
The criteria for project site and infrastructure design:
- Economical design with no compromise on quality.
- A theme that reflects Saudi culture and values.
- A location that promotes healthy living.
- An environment that is safe and secure.
- Capacity for providing all vital services to the residents.
- Strong potential for healthy community living.
- Advantageous use of terrain and geographical characteristics of the project site.
- Potential for economic appreciation of property.
- Potential for promotion of prestige and identity.
Project Characteristics
Vitality, Sports, Recreation
The project’s theme centers on vitality - life in its essence - and sports and recreation provide the vehicle for realization. People should be able to move around safely on foot, from one sporting or recreation activity center to another.
Space was generously allocated for a gymnasium, and a health center, a football field, basketball court, and volleyball court complete the sporting suite. For rest and leisure, the residents will enjoy a recreational area, a shopping mall, and a cultural center. Social Bonding
The neighborhood is designed to promote social bonding. While keeping fundamental privacy in the confines of their respective homes (private space), residents step out into an immediate neighborhood of adjacent homes (near private, 8 homes at most) before moving on to neighborhood blocks (near public) and the whole neighborhood (public). This scheme of progressive social spheres promotes gradual social interaction and integration. As an added advantage, security is enhanced by the ease in sensing the presence of strangers.
In contrast, inner city folk generally step out of their homes, right onto the city streets, and experience practically no sense of social activity. Greenery and Landscaping
The ubiquitous presence of trees forms a green landscape that cools the air, beautifies the surroundings, and nurtures the soul. The expanse of greenery, extending to every block and highlighted by an overwhelming central garden, will encourage frequent walks and promote good health. Traffic Planning
Much thought was given to managing pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and parking. Planning involved positioning pedestrian walkways safely away from driving paths, and eliminating vehicular congestion through careful street mapping and traffic routing. The overall plan will ensure the safety and convenience of pedestrians and motorists. Complete Services and diversified designs
The project has many different designs for villas to satisfy all tastes, and nearby Dariiah hosts business offices for utilities and other vital government services. To complement these services, the following conveniences will be provided:
- A central shopping mall for the whole area.
- Scaled-down shopping malls within the neighborhood to serve all residents.
- Mini-malls in residential blocks.
- Recreational areas.
- A central garden accessible from all pedestrian lanes, and essentially from all parts of the neighborhood.
- Designated areas for mosques, educational institutions, police, and civil defense personnel. | 
