Riyadh is set to Host Inaugural Edition of “Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum 2025” under the Theme: “Bridging Cities, Building Futures.”
Reflecting its growing leadership in urban development and international cooperation, Riyadh is preparing to host the inaugural edition of the European Cities Dialogue Forum 2025, taking place from May 11 to 13 at the Hilton Hotel in the Granada District.Held under the theme “City Partnerships for a Better Future,” the forum represents a landmark regional event designed to foster constructive urban dialogue between Arab and European cities. It aims to strengthen city-to-city cooperation and promote the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in sustainable urban planning and governance. The event will bring together heads of municipality, mayors, governors from both regions, alongside representatives from international urban organizations, municipal associations, donor institutions, and development banks.
The forum is hosted by the Riyadh Region Municipality and organized by the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), as part of an institutional partnership that highlights the strategic significance of balanced urban development and the rising role of cities as key actors on the international stage. This landmark event will gather more than 120 mayors and heads of municipalities from major Arab and European cities, alongside representatives from over 50 international organizations, donor institutions, and development funds. Participants will address pressing urban challenges shared by cities across both regions, while showcasing pioneering initiatives in city governance, infrastructure, and quality-of-life improvements.The forum agendas include field visits and knowledge exchange sessions that will allow participants to explore more than 20 innovative urban projects currently underway in Riyadh, highlighting the capital’s dynamic urban transformation. Key topics will include infrastructure development, public space enhancement, and the integration of smart technologies in city services and facility management.The forum’s themes have been carefully selected through a methodology centered on the priorities and real-world challenges faced by cities in their pursuit of sustainable urban development. Core themes include city-to-city cooperation, the impact of climate change on urban environments, digital transformation and the role of technology in city management, and financial sustainability of municipalities.The forum will feature high-level dialogue sessions bringing together mayors and urban experts, alongside a series of specialized workshops led by participating international organizations. Additional activities will include an expanded networking session connecting Arab and European mayors, consultative meetings with donor institutions to explore potential project funding, and strategic discussions on future governance mechanisms for the forum.
Riyadh’s hosting of this landmark forum affirms its leading role in shaping the future of cities across the region. It reflects a comprehensive vision aimed at deepening urban dialogue and broadening the scope of international cooperation. Through this initiative, Riyadh is actively contributing to sustainable development and fostering strategic partnerships that serve the well-being of future generations.
