Saudi authorities have been approved plans for a “Global Sports Tower”, a 130m-tall structure with facilities for 30 sports in Riyadh.

The 84,000 sq m project will contain a 98m climbing wall – the world’s highest – and a 250m running track complete with spectacular views of Riyadh’s skyline. The tower’s design is inspired by modernist Salmani architecture and aims to be a cultural landmark.

The tower will form part of the 135km Sports Boulevard programme on Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road. This will connect Wadi Hanifah in the west with Wadi Al Sulai in the east.

When complete, the boulevard will contain 4.4 million sq m of greenery and up to 50 sports facilities connected by green pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, athletes and horse riders.