Saudi cities adopt bioswales to curb flooding
Nature-based stormwater channels gain momentum as authorities upgrade infrastructure to prevent repeat urban flood crises
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Saudi Arabia is increasingly incorporating bioswales into urban planning as part of broader efforts to strengthen flood resilience, particularly in older districts that struggle to manage heavy seasonal rainfall.
The shift follows years of severe flooding, most notably in Jeddah, where outdated drainage systems and construction across natural valleys intensified storm impacts.
Studies from local universities and planners have long warned that rapid urban expansion into natural waterways has disrupted runoff patterns, worsening flash flood events.
Since the launch of Vision 2030, authorities have accelerated investments in modern infrastructure, with bioswales emerging as a key nature-based tool to manage stormwater more sustainably.
Bioswales are vegetation-lined channels designed to capture, filter and redirect stormwater, slowing runoff while allowing gradual infiltration.
Experts say their effectiveness in Saudi Arabia depends on designs tailored to infrequent but intense rainfall patterns, coupled with drought-tolerant plants and engineered soil mixes suited to arid conditions.
Engineers note that bioswales help relieve pressure on drainage networks by providing temporary water storage during peak storms, which reduces the risk of sudden flooding.
They are often placed along roads and parking areas to intercept runoff from impervious surfaces.
Because many Saudi soils have low permeability, bioswale systems in the Kingdom frequently rely on gravel layers, underdrains and engineered soil structures to ensure consistent performance.
Plant selection is also crucial, with native heat-resistant species preferred to reduce irrigation requirements and enhance pollutant removal.
In cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, experts say bioswales work best when integrated with engineered solutions like retention basins, controlled drainage systems and smart pumps equipped with sensors that optimize responses to extreme weather.
Beyond flood control, bioswales contribute to cleaner water by filtering sediments, oils and other pollutants before they reach drainage networks or natural ecosystems.
This reduces maintenance demands and improves environmental outcomes, especially in dense urban areas.
Different bioswale types are used across the Kingdom depending on local conditions, including grassed channels for residential zones, dry swales with engineered soil for areas with limited infiltration, wet swales suited to high-water-table regions, and vegetated swales that enhance biodiversity.
As Saudi Arabia continues expanding its cities, planners say bioswales offer a sustainable, climate-responsive method for managing stormwater and reducing the risks associated with extreme rainfall events.
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