Latest news with #FaisalbinAbdulazizbinAyyaf
Saudi Gazette
14-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Arab European Cities Dialogue concludes in Riyadh with strengthened urban partnerships and sustainable development recommendations
The first edition of the Arab European Cities Dialogue concluded in Riyadh on Sunday after three days of discussions under the theme 'Bridging Cities, Building Futures.' The forum was organized by the Riyadh Municipality in collaboration with the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), PLATFORMA, and VNG International. The conclusion of the event marked the culmination of a busy agenda featuring plenary sessions, workshops, and roundtable discussions that addressed key challenges and opportunities in sustainable urban development. The forum brought together high-level participation from mayors and city leaders from across the Arab world and Europe, along with representatives from international organizations, development funds, and municipal alliances. The sessions covered various cross-cutting themes, including cross-border cooperation in the session titled 'Beyond Borders: Transforming Cities through Global Cooperation,' climate action in 'Towards Resilience: Climate Adaptation and Mitigation in Arab and European Cities,' and future urban planning in 'Digital Transformation in Urban Governance: Insights from European and Arab Cities.' The forum also examined how local actions can align with global goals through the session 'From Data to Impact: How Voluntary Local Reviews & SDG Localization Drive Development in Cities.' A dedicated session titled 'Perspectives on Riyadh's Urban Leap – CEOs Talk' highlighted Riyadh's development journey as a regional model of integrated planning and ambitious growth. In the 'City Leadership Forum,' chaired by Mayor of Riyadh and Chairman of AUDI Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, city leaders discussed the forum's governance and future prospects. It was agreed to institutionalize the forum as a biennial platform for cross-border urban collaboration. Madrid was announced as the host city for the second edition in 2027. Future editions will focus on topics such as economic growth, urban identity, digital transformation, quality of life, culture and innovation, sustainable cities, and risk management. The 'City Networking' session, on the other hand, emphasized enhancing cooperation among Arab and European city leaders through knowledge exchange, building strategic alliances to promote sustainable urban development, and fostering networking among delegates to ensure the forum's long-term institutional impact. The forum also showcased several impactful initiatives, notably the 'Urban Financing Forum', where eight cities presented development projects totaling over SR6.2 billion, directly engaging with 4 international development funds. This initiative aims to foster cross-border investments and connect municipal projects with development capital. On the sidelines of the forum, Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf held bilateral meetings with several European city officials, including mayors of Madrid, Amman, Damascus, and Turin, to strengthen international cooperation in urban planning, digital transformation, sustainability, and quality of life.
Leaders
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Leaders
Arab Urban Development Institute Signs Strategic MOUs at AECD 2025
Under the patronage of Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh and President of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), the Institute signed two significant memoranda of understanding during the Arab European Cities Dialogue (AECD 2025) in Riyadh. The agreements were signed with Metropolis, the global network of major cities and metropolitan areas, and Fira de Barcelona, organizer of the Smart City Expo World Congress. These partnerships aim to strengthen collaboration in urban governance, innovation, and the exchange of knowledge between cities. AECD 2025 brought together representatives from over 100 Arab and European cities, as well as international organizations, municipal federations, and urban development institutions. The event reflects Riyadh's growing role as a regional center for global urban dialogue. These new partnerships reinforce AUDI's commitment to fostering international cooperation, advancing sustainable urban development, and supporting effective policymaking across Arab cities. Related Topics : Trump in Saudi Arabia: Underscoring Historic Ties and Riyadh's Strategic Centrality HUMAIN: Saudi Crown Prince Unveils New Global AI Powerhouse Saudi Football Pro League: Week 31 Schedule, Live Results & Scorers Jusoor Exhibition in Pristina Showcases Saudi Culture, Islamic Values Short link : Post Views: 106
Leaders
11-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
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🗓️ — 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. Short link : Post Views: 15
Asharq Al-Awsat
26-02-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Mayor of Riyadh Opens 'FoodSphere' as Part of Riyadh Oases
Mayor of Riyadh Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf inaugurated on Wednesday "FoodSphere," a pioneering first phase of the Riyadh Oases project. This collaborative initiative between Riyadh Holding and the Riyadh Region Municipality aims to create vibrant, interactive community spaces centered on food, heritage, and sustainability. Located on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street, FoodSphere offers unique, immersive experiences that explore the future of nutrition while celebrating Saudi culinary heritage. Visitors can discover the interconnectedness of food, culture, and environmental responsibility through engaging exhibits and activities, SPA reported. Spanning 11,000 m², FoodSphere features three indoor zones: The Apiary, The Biosphere, and The Oasis. Outdoor areas include beautifully landscaped gardens, cafes, restaurants, and walk courses. Riyadh Oases is designed as an edutainment center, making science accessible and engaging for all community members. It fosters partnerships with various entities to develop and showcase practical, innovative models. This project aligns with the Quality of Life Program, a main pillar of Saudi Vision 2030, demonstrating Riyadh's commitment to cultural preservation and future-forward development. FoodSphere is the first of eight planned oases, which will be strategically located throughout Riyadh in the coming years. It welcomes visitors on February 26 and 27 from 10 am to 10 pm. Ramadan hours are from 8:30 pm to 2:30 am.
Asharq Al-Awsat
11-02-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Unveils First Comprehensive Master Plan for Riyadh's 2025 Projects
Saudi Arabia has announced its first-ever comprehensive master plan for all infrastructure projects in Riyadh for the upcoming year, with the aim to reduce traffic congestion caused by overlapping projects, optimize spending efficiency, and ensure the sustainability of developments. Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh and Chairman of the Infrastructure Projects Center, introduced the plan during an event showcasing Riyadh's detailed infrastructure project roadmap. Prince Faisal described the initiative as a transformative milestone for the city, as it consolidates upcoming projects into a structured, coordinated system, allowing authorities to identify conflicts, set priorities, reschedule overlapping initiatives, and enforce adherence to project timelines. Additionally, the plan establishes a unified coordination strategy among various stakeholders. Eng. Fahad Al-Badah, CEO of the Infrastructure Projects Center, called the master plan a model for national cooperation, developed through a comprehensive engineering methodology. The process involved data collection, integration of planning efforts, and collaboration with over 15 government and service entities. Al-Badah further noted that more than 837 project plans were reviewed and approved, leading to the restructuring of 1,737 project phases and accumulating over 100,000 work hours. The center also conducted over 80 workshops and automated more than 66,000 pre-coordinated permits for 2025. He credited this achievement to joint efforts with service providers and project developers, supported by a 36-member task force representing key service entities. Additionally, 72 officials have been assigned to ensure rapid responses to any challenges that arise during project execution. Over the past 50 years, Riyadh has evolved from an emerging city into a global economic hub and a leading investment destination. Its land area has expanded by over 2,000%, and its population has surpassed 7 million. This rapid growth is reflected in the surge in infrastructure work permits, which have tripled from 50,000 in 2017 to over 150,000 in 2024. 'These figures underscore the city's accelerated urban and economic expansion,' Al-Badah noted. He emphasized that sustaining this momentum requires adopting global best practices in infrastructure development, aligning with the ambitious goals of Vision 2030. The master plan is part of broader efforts led by Riyadh's Infrastructure Projects Center, established by a Cabinet decision in July 2023. The center aims to enhance project efficiency and improve coordination among stakeholders to ensure sustainable, high-quality urban development.
