Riyadh Joins UNESCO Creative Cities Network For Design On World Cities Day

Riyadh has been officially recognised as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for Design, marking a significant milestone in its development as a centre for creativity and innovation. This achievement was announced by the Architecture and Design Commission on World Cities Day. The city's inclusion highlights its growing reputation as a regional hub for design excellence.

The nomination process was spearheaded by the Architecture and Design Commission, which operates under the Ministry of Culture. This effort involved collaboration with various governmental, academic, nonprofit, and private sector entities. The comprehensive nomination file successfully showcased Riyadh's vibrant design scene, covering architecture, urban design, industrial and interior design, product design, and digital design.

Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman‏, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, stated that Riyadh's inclusion is a historic step towards making it a global model for using creativity to enhance urban and cultural development. She highlighted that this international recognition stems from the national architecture and design strategy aimed at fostering an environment conducive to innovation and empowering Saudi talent.

The commission is committed to establishing Riyadh as a global capital of design through initiatives that support creative practices. These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives by enhancing cooperation across sectors and empowering Saudi creatives. Al-Solaiman‏ emphasised the role of design as a crucial tool for sustainable development and improving quality of life.

Riyadh's selection reflects its status as a creative city that combines authenticity with innovation. The city presents a unique architectural landscape where modernity meets tradition, contributing to its distinctive urban identity. This blend serves as a model for sustainable cultural development rooted in design principles.

The Architecture and Design Commission aims to leverage Riyadh's inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network to highlight Saudi Arabia's position as a leading destination for urban innovation and creativity. This recognition enhances the Kingdom's presence on the global design map while empowering local designers and architects.

Empowering Local Talent

The commission seeks to connect Saudi designers with leading global cities in the field of architecture and design. By facilitating exchanges of international expertise, it aims to refine their skills further. This initiative will enable Saudi creatives to gain valuable insights from their counterparts worldwide.

This achievement underscores Riyadh's commitment to becoming a model city that leverages creativity for sustainable growth. Through strategic initiatives, Riyadh continues to strengthen its position as a beacon of innovation in architecture and design on both regional and global stages.

With inputs from SPA