Riyadh Hosts Inaugural Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum
Saudi Arabia is hosting the inaugural edition of the Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum (AECD 2025) in its capital city, Riyadh, from May 11-13, 2025.
Under the theme 'Bridging Cities, Building Futures,' the first edition of the forum brings together representatives of more than 120 Arab and European cities and municipalities, as well as over 50 international organizations and development funds, to strengthen cooperation and enhance communications to advance urban communities and boost economic and cultural exchange. Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum
The Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum is organized by the Riyadh Municipality, in collaboration with the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), the platform of the Association of European Municipalities and Regions (PLATFORMA), and the International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities.
In Riyadh, City Partnerships for a Better Future
Hosted by @Amanatalriyadh and supported by @Arab_Urban, Riyadh proudly welcomes the Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum .
Date: May 11–13, 2025🗓️ pic.twitter.com/jmzijXTJjB
— Arab European Cities Dialogue Riyadh 2025 (@Arabecd) April 16, 2025
The AECD 2025 is a regional and global platform that aims to bolster cooperation, foster connections, and build relations among the representatives of Arab and European cities and municipalities, including mayors, presidents, secretaries, and governors. The forum also brings together key stakeholders in international development, such as international urban organizations, municipal unions, and donor institutions.
Spanning over a period of 10 years, the AECD will alternate between Arab and European cities each two years to strengthen ties, encourage city diplomacy, and promote more sustainable and inclusive urban development. AECD 2025 Objectives
The Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum centers around four key objectives. These include enhancing communication through discussions that highlight good practices and common challenges; and building partnerships through meetings that enable cities to network and explore avenues for future cooperation.
It also focuses on enhancing financing opportunities by discussing the governance of the AECD; and framework formulation by gathering cities and funding agencies to gain expert insights on project proposals. KAFD Metro Station
Furthermore, the AECD 2025 aims to drive measurable impact on the local and global scales by balancing ambitious global vision with practical regional implementation. To this end, it focuses on four key areas: cities cooperation; livable cities and climate change; technology and digital transformation; and municipal financial sustainability. Strengthening City Bonds
On the occasion of hosting the AECD 2025, the Mayor of Riyadh Region, President of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, highlighted the deep-rooted relations between Arab and European cities, which shaped their civilizations, economies, and urban landscapes.
'The Arab European Cities Dialogue (AECD 2025) was conceived to strengthen the bonds between city leaders, communities, and institutions through constructive dialogue – a dialogue that embraces diverse values and cultures while facilitating the exchange of insights on pressing urban, economic, social, and environmental challenges,' Prince Faisal bin Ayyaf said. Riyadh
The Mayor of Riyadh pointed to the significance of the AECD 2025. 'This event provides a premier platform for fostering and sustaining city partnerships, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which prioritizes meaningful cooperation at national, regional, and global levels while promoting the exchange of best practices in local urban development,' he said. Riyadh: A City in Transformation
The selection of Riyadh as a host city for the inaugural edition of the AECD 2025 underscores its elevated status in the regional and international landscape, as well as its vital role as a dynamic hub for dialogue and collaboration. Sports Boulevard
Riyadh has established its position as a hub for major urban, cultural and entertainment projects which aim to enhance the quality of life of its residents. These include more than 20 large scale projects, such as King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, Sports Boulevard, Green Riyadh Project, and King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). The capital city of Saudi Arabia has also emerged as a host for key global events, such as Riyadh Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034.
This adds to Riyadh's weight as a key hub for fostering dialogue and collaboration to address pressing urban challenges. The remarkable transformation journey of Riyadh cements its pivotal role in providing opportunities and tackling challenges on the regional and global stages.
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