In 1977 the Saudi Arabian government made the decision to move the diplomatic mission from Jeddah to Riyadh and to build a new housing area, the Diplomatic Quarter. On the north western outskirts of Riyadh, overlooking the Wadi Hanifah one of the largest oasis systems in Saudi Arabia. The Area of the Diplomatic Quarter was designed to house some 35.000 residents and was to include residential areas and embassies situated around a central spine. About 25% of the development area had been dedicated to public landscape areas. According to the function and design, two major types of landscaping had been developed. Intensive- and Extensive Landscape areas. Intensive landscaping the inner part of the Diplomatic Quarter, with heavily planted parks, formal gardens, green zones and playgrounds requiring irrigation and high maintenance. Extensive Landscaping Is mainly situated on the periphery of the Diplomatic Quarter and was designed to include the natural landform and the use of native vegetation requiring none- or very minimum irrigation. From the top of the escarpment overlooking the Wadi Hanifa, the visitors will be rewarded by spectacular views and will find shelter and picnic areas where he can enjoy nature.
