AUDI Director General Receives Dutch Ambassador to Saudi Arabia to Explore Areas of Cooperation

09 Jun 2026

H.E. Dr. Anas Mofarreh Almughairy, Director General of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), received at the Institute’s headquarters in Riyadh H.E. Mr. Hans Peter van der Woude, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Kingdom, to discuss the growing role of cities in advancing national sustainable development goals. The meeting highlighted the importance of empowering local governments to lead development initiatives and address increasingly complex urban and climate challenges. Participants also emphasized that, despite differences in their urban, environmental, and demographic contexts, cities worldwide share many common challenges that require innovative and collaborative solutions. The two sides also discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation and fostering partnerships between Dutch cities and cities in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Discussions focused on the exchange of expertise and best practices, as well as the development of innovative solutions to address urban challenges. The meeting further explored ways to enhance the contribution of institutions, organizations, and private-sector companies to sustainability and urban development efforts. In addition, both sides reviewed opportunities for cooperation and investment between Dutch and Arab entities across a range of areas of mutual interest. Both parties stressed the importance of engaging in strategic events and initiatives of mutual interest, particularly the Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum (AECD), which serves as a key platform for strengthening institutional relations and exploring new avenues for cooperation. The meeting highlighted a shared vision for supporting cities and enhancing their capacity to achieve sustainable development and urban resilience. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination and collaboration to advance common goals and expand cooperation in the period ahead.