20 February 2025
Parks in Yanbu and Hail have risen the Green Flag Award above their parks as the internationally recognised standard establishes in Saudi Arabia.
The Municipality of Hail became the first organisation in Saudi Arabia to achieve two Green Flag Awards with Prince Saud Bin Abdul Mohsen Park and Bahjah Park – extensive green spaces which provide a range of recreational, leisure and relaxation facilities for Hail’s growing population of 500,000 city residents. The city is championing health, wellbeing, quality of life, and business opportunities through it’s parks and green spaces. The approach aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 which aims to foster “A Vibrant Society, A Thriving Economy and An Ambitious Nation”.
Image: Bahjah Park in Hail buzzing with a popular event at night
Mayor of Hail Region - Eng. Sultan bin Hama Al-Zaidy said:
“It is with immense pride and gratitude that we celebrate this historic achievement for Hail Municipality, as it becomes the first organisation in Saudi Arabia to achieve two Green Flag Awards. This international recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to developing our parks and green spaces, enhancing quality of life and embracing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.”
“This award is not the final destination, but rather a stepping stone towards further commitments of progress in making Hail greener and more prosperous for its residents – improving our vision each year.”
Image: Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu celebrate a second consecutive win
The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu celebrated their second year of winning the award for Waterfront Park in Yanbu - an 11km stretch of public green space featuring parklands, gardens, a marina and several entertainment venues, cafes and restaurants. The park also features a protected mangrove conservation area which attracts a wide variety of bird life. The project spans four phases, one of which is still under development. The Royal Commission are focused on diversifying Yanbu from an historic industrial port city, towards a destination for tourism and leisure on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
H.E. Engr. Khalid Al Salem, President of The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY) said:
“We are proud that Waterfront Park in Yanbu Industrial City received the Green Flag Award for the second consecutive year, meeting the internationally recognized standard for parks and green spaces.”
“As part of the efforts of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu we are committed to improve the quality of life and provide a unique destination for recreation, leisure and entertainment for both our residents and tourists. This ambition is in line with the strategic directions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”
Another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award
The news completes the 2024-25 season for Green Flag Award, which saw an amazing 2,531 winners from 19 countries around the world. This included first time awards in Seattle (USA), Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Malaga (Spain), Toowoomba (Australia), Istanbul (Turkey), Lempäälä (Finland) and London (UK).
Winners by country 2024-25
Australia 9
Austria 1
Belgium 8
Finland 21
France 3
Germany 1
Ireland 120
Mexico 16
Mongolia 1
Netherlands 2
New Zealand 26
Portugal 9
Saudi Arabia 3
Spain 5
Sweden 2
Turkey 4
United Arab Emirates 71
United Kingdom 2,227
USA 2
TOTAL 2,531
Image: Waterfront Park in Yanbu at night, with mangroves by the coast.
Plans to train Saudi parks professionals as judges
As the Green Flag Award programme continues to grow in Saudi Arabia, Keep Britain Tidy who manage the award plan to train a number of judges from within winning organisations. This supports the growth of the programme, as well as drawing on the extensive expertise within the parks sector of the Kingdom.
Image: Waterfront Park, Yanbu hosts an impressive amphitheatre
Carl McClean, International Development Manager for the Green Flag Award said:
“It’s an honour to present the Green Flag Award this year to two accomplished organisations who are highly committed to improving the quality of parks and green spaces for their residents. The criteria these parks have met compliment Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the goals of the Saudi Royal Commissions and Regional Municipalities.”
Image: Experienced UK judge Christopher Worman MBE discusses safety and security with the team at Hail Municipality
About the Green Flag Award
The Green Flag Award® is a non-profit international accreditation programme that recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces. Originating in England in 1996, today the Green Flag Award proudly flies above more than 2,500 places in 19 countries around the world.
The award is also set to grow elsewhere in the Middle East Region in 2025-26, with 71 winners already accredited in the United Arab Emirates, and interest being received from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.
Global winners
The programme is managed internationally by environmental Charity Keep Britain Tidy, alongside a network of National Operators in several countries. See the website Network page for more information.
Since its founding, the aim of the Green Flag Award is to ensure that everyone has access to a quality green space to enable healthy lifestyles and stronger communities. Saudi Arabia joins 18 other countries in applying the Green Flag Award standards for their parks - including the UK, USA, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and many countries in Europe and Scandinavia.
For an interactive global map of current winners, visit: https://www.greenflagaward.org/award-winners/
To find out more in general, or apply for an Award, whichever country you are based in; explore the Green Flag Award website: https://www.greenflagaward.org, or alternatively click here for a contact form.
