Riyadh's Mayor Highlights City's Global Impact Through Major Events At WUF12

Riyadh Region Mayor Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, leading the Saudi delegation at the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo, spoke on "Building Riyadh's Global Impact: Through Major Events." This was part of the "Legacy of Mega Events" session. He highlighted Riyadh's role as a major city in political, cultural, economic, social, entertainment, and tourism sectors.

Prince Faisal noted that Riyadh is gearing up to host numerous significant global events soon. The most notable among these is the World Expo 2030. Additionally, various sports, entertainment, and social events are planned. He mentioned that Riyadh has already hosted over 4,000 medium- and small-scale events in the first half of 2022.

The mayor stressed that infrastructure for these events should not be limited to single occasions. Instead, it should contribute to the city's long-term development plan. These events are intended to become a regular feature of Riyadh's urban life. Facilities built for such events will be permanent structures driving urban growth.

He also emphasized the importance of involving residents in all project stages. This involvement ensures a sustainable impact on their lives and improves daily living quality. The projects aim to ease daily life while enhancing its quality for residents.

Prince Faisal highlighted the need to maintain Riyadh's architectural identity through project designs that reflect its cultural memory and history. This approach aims to enhance the city's identity by drawing from its rich culture and historical context.

The signature event, Riyadh Season, was launched as a recreational period for both residents and visitors. Last year, it attracted nearly 20 million visitors with its diverse activities. This event exemplifies Riyadh's commitment to hosting large-scale events with lasting impacts.

The mayor underscored that these initiatives are not just about temporary attractions but are integral to Riyadh's ongoing development strategy. By focusing on sustainable infrastructure and community involvement, these projects aim to leave a lasting legacy in the city.

With inputs from SPA