Riyadh's Global Impact: Major Events Highlighted By Mayor At WUF12

Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, the Mayor of Riyadh Region, addressed the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo. His speech, "Building Riyadh's Global Impact: Through Major Events," was part of the "Legacy of Mega Events" session. He highlighted Riyadh's preparations to host numerous significant global events in the near future, underscoring its importance across various sectors.

Riyadh is gearing up for a busy schedule of major events, with World Expo 2030 being a key highlight. Prince Faisal noted that the city has already hosted over 4,000 medium- and small-scale events in the first half of 2022. The annual Riyadh Season, a recreational event for residents and visitors, attracted nearly 20 million attendees last year with its diverse activities.

The mayor stressed that infrastructure for these events is designed for lasting impact rather than single-use occasions. This approach aligns with Riyadh's overall development plan. Facilities built for such events are intended to be permanent fixtures that drive urban growth and enhance daily life quality for residents.

Prince Faisal emphasized involving residents at every stage of project development to ensure sustainable benefits. He pointed out that these projects should reflect Riyadh's architectural identity by incorporating cultural and historical elements into their design. This approach aims to preserve the city's unique character while fostering community engagement.

Riyadh is currently one of the largest and most influential cities globally due to its strategic role in political, cultural, economic, social, entertainment, and tourism sectors. The city aims to maintain this status by hosting a wide range of international events that contribute to its global impact.

The mayor highlighted that these events are not just about temporary attractions but are integral to Riyadh's long-term vision. They are designed to leave a lasting legacy that benefits both residents and visitors alike by enhancing infrastructure and promoting sustainable urban development.

The focus on preserving architectural identity ensures that new developments respect Riyadh's cultural heritage while meeting modern needs. This balance between tradition and progress is crucial for maintaining the city's unique character as it continues to grow on the world stage.

By actively engaging residents in planning processes, Riyadh ensures that projects have a meaningful impact on their lives. This involvement helps create spaces that improve quality of life while fostering a sense of community pride and ownership over urban developments.

With inputs from SPA