Riyadh To Host The Inaugural Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum In May 2025

Riyadh is set to host the inaugural Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum from May 11-13, 2025. This event, themed "City Partnerships for a Better Future," aims to foster collaboration between Arab and European cities. Organised by the Riyadh Municipality, it marks a significant step in promoting city diplomacy and sustainable urban development.

The forum is co-organised by the Arab Urban Development Institute, PLATFORMA, and VNG International. Riyadh's selection as the host city underscores its importance in regional and global urban affairs. The city plays a crucial role in supporting municipal initiatives and fostering international partnerships.

Participants will include mayors, municipal leaders, urban organisations, and representatives from development funds and donor institutions. The forum serves as a central meeting point for decision-makers and international development actors worldwide. It aims to enhance cooperation among cities and key players in urban development.

Key topics at the forum will address current urban challenges such as infrastructure issues, service quality improvement, digital transformation, sustainable financing, and climate change. These discussions aim to generate actionable recommendations that strengthen cities' capabilities in innovation and participatory planning.

The event will feature interactive sessions, roundtables, a mayors’ forum, an idea marketplace, and workshops hosted by specialised international organisations. Additionally, field visits will highlight Riyadh’s advanced urban development experience in public transport and environmental transformation.

These visits offer delegates a chance to observe Riyadh's comprehensive transformation journey firsthand. The city's efforts are deeply rooted in its cultural and social identity while aiming for sustainable growth.

Connecting Cities with Funding Opportunities

The forum provides a practical platform for connecting Arab and European cities with real funding opportunities through direct engagement with donor institutions and investors. This opens new horizons for implementing local projects within integrated development frameworks.

This initiative aligns with Riyadh's rapid transformation into a global city built on advanced infrastructure. It reflects an ambitious vision aimed at creating a comprehensive urban model that balances development, environment, and quality of life according to Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

Commitment to Joint Action

The theme "City Partnerships for a Better Future" embodies Arab and European cities' commitment to enhancing joint action. By exchanging expertise and exploring innovative solutions to urban challenges, they aim to create more integrated and prosperous cities for future generations.

The forum is expected to result in actionable recommendations focusing on building cross-border partnerships in infrastructure and urban service project financing. These efforts aim to strengthen cities’ capabilities in innovation and participatory planning.

With inputs from SPA