Riyadh will host the first Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum from May 11 to 13, 2025, under the theme “City Partnerships for a Better Future,” as announced by the Saudi Press Agency. The landmark event, organized by the Riyadh Municipality, marks the first gathering of its kind in the region and is designed to strengthen ties between Arab and European cities, promote city diplomacy, and advance sustainable and inclusive urban development. The forum will bring together mayors, municipal leaders, and representatives from urban organizations, municipal unions, development funds, and donor institutions, establishing Riyadh as a central meeting point for decision-makers and international development actors. Have you considered how city-level partnerships might shape the future of global cooperation?
The announcement underscores Riyadh’s growing role as a global hub for diplomacy and urban innovation. The forum is co-organized by the Arab Urban Development Institute, the PLATFORMA pan-European coalition of local and regional governments, and the International Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG International). Riyadh was selected as the inaugural host city, affirming its prominent status in the regional and global urban landscape and its pivotal role in supporting municipal initiatives and fostering cross-border partnerships. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, enhance quality of life, and position the Kingdom as a leader in sustainable development and international engagement.
Context and Background
Why has Riyadh emerged as the natural host for this historic dialogue? The Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum represents a strategic platform to bridge Arab and European municipalities, addressing shared urban challenges through collaborative action. The event is the first of its kind in the region, reflecting a growing recognition that cities are key drivers of sustainable development and international cooperation. By hosting this forum, Riyadh reinforces its commitment to city diplomacy and its role as a convener of global conversations on urban innovation. The forum’s theme, “City Partnerships for a Better Future,” embodies a practical commitment by Arab and European cities to enhance joint action, exchange expertise, and explore innovative solutions to urban challenges, paving the way toward more integrated and prosperous cities for future generations.
The forum’s co-organizers bring a wealth of expertise to the table. The Arab Urban Development Institute has long supported urban development across the Arab world, while PLATFORMA represents a pan-European coalition of local and regional governments dedicated to decentralized cooperation. VNG International, the international agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities, adds a European perspective on municipal governance and capacity building. Together, these organizations have designed a program that tackles core issues facing cities today, including infrastructure challenges, service quality improvement, digital transformation, sustainable financing, and climate change. The event also aims to enhance multi-level cooperation among cities and other key players in the urban development field, ensuring that outcomes are actionable and impactful.
Riyadh’s selection as the inaugural host city is a testament to its rapid transformation into a global metropolis. Over the past decade, the Saudi capital has undergone a comprehensive urban renewal, investing in advanced infrastructure, public transport, and environmental initiatives. These developments are firmly rooted in the city’s cultural and social identity, balancing modernization with heritage. The forum provides an opportunity for delegates to witness this transformation firsthand through field visits that showcase Riyadh’s advanced urban development experience, particularly in public transport and environmental transformation. Such visits offer delegates the opportunity to closely observe the city’s comprehensive transformation journey, firmly rooted in its cultural and social identity.
Key Details
What can participants expect from the forum’s agenda? The three-day event features a series of interactive sessions, roundtables, a mayors’ forum, an idea marketplace, and workshops hosted by specialized international organizations. These activities are designed to foster dialogue, share best practices, and generate actionable recommendations that strengthen cities’ capabilities in innovation and participatory planning. A particular focus will be on building cross-border partnerships in infrastructure and urban service project financing. The forum also provides a practical platform to connect Arab and European cities with real funding opportunities through direct engagement with donor institutions and investors, opening new horizons for the implementation of local projects within integrated development frameworks.
The mayors’ forum will be a highlight, bringing together city leaders to discuss common challenges and solutions. This high-level segment will enable mayors to share their experiences and commit to joint initiatives that can be implemented at the local level. The idea marketplace will offer a space for innovative startups and urban tech companies to present solutions to pressing urban issues, from smart mobility to waste management. Workshops hosted by international organizations will provide hands-on training and capacity building for municipal officials, covering topics such as climate resilience, digital governance, and inclusive urban planning. These sessions are expected to result in concrete recommendations that participants can take back to their cities.
Field visits will showcase Riyadh’s advanced urban development experience, particularly in public transport and environmental transformation. Delegates will have the opportunity to see the Riyadh Metro, one of the largest urban transport projects in the world, and learn about the city’s efforts to increase green spaces and reduce carbon emissions. The visits will also highlight Riyadh’s cultural and social identity, with stops at heritage sites and modern landmarks that reflect the city’s blend of tradition and innovation. By observing these projects, participants can gain insights into how Riyadh has managed to balance rapid growth with sustainability and quality of life, offering a model that other cities might adapt to their own contexts.
International and Regional Impact
How will this forum influence Arab-European relations at the municipal level? The Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum is expected to strengthen ties between cities across the two regions, fostering a network of partnerships that can address shared challenges such as climate change, migration, and economic development. By bringing together mayors and municipal leaders, the forum creates a space for direct dialogue and cooperation that bypasses traditional diplomatic channels. This city diplomacy approach is increasingly recognized as a vital complement to national-level diplomacy, enabling local governments to contribute to international agendas like the Sustainable Development Goals. The forum’s outcomes, including actionable recommendations and new partnerships, will likely have a lasting impact on how Arab and European cities collaborate in the years ahead.
For Saudi Arabia, hosting the forum reinforces its position as a bridge between the Arab world and Europe. The Kingdom has long played a pivotal role in regional affairs, and this event extends that role to the municipal level, showcasing Saudi leadership in urban development and international cooperation. It also aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global engagement and attracting international partnerships. By facilitating dialogue between Arab and European cities, Riyadh is helping to create a more integrated and prosperous urban future, not just for the region but for the world. The forum’s success could pave the way for similar initiatives in other Saudi cities, further elevating the Kingdom’s profile as a hub for innovation and diplomacy.
Economic and Strategic Significance
What economic opportunities will emerge from the forum? The event is designed to connect Arab and European cities with real funding opportunities through direct engagement with donor institutions and investors. This practical focus on financing is crucial, as many cities struggle to fund infrastructure and urban service projects. By bringing together development funds, donor institutions, and private investors, the forum creates a marketplace for ideas and projects that can attract investment. For Saudi Arabia, this means potential partnerships that can support Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals, including the development of smart cities, renewable energy, and sustainable transport. The forum also positions Riyadh as a center for urban innovation, attracting talent and investment to the Kingdom.
Strategically, the forum enhances Saudi Arabia’s soft power and its ability to shape global conversations on urban development. By hosting an event that brings together diverse stakeholders from Europe and the Arab world, the Kingdom demonstrates its commitment to multilateralism and its capacity to convene important dialogues. This aligns with Vision 2030’s emphasis on international cooperation and the Kingdom’s role as a responsible global player. The forum also supports the growth of Riyadh as a global city, attracting attention from international media and potential partners. The recommendations and partnerships forged during the event will contribute to the development of more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous cities, benefiting millions of people across both regions.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does the forum reflect the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a diversified, innovative, and globally engaged economy, with a high quality of life for its citizens. The Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum directly supports these goals by promoting sustainable urban development, fostering international partnerships, and showcasing Riyadh’s transformation into a world-class city. The forum’s focus on infrastructure, digital transformation, and climate change aligns with Vision 2030’s environmental and economic objectives. Moreover, by hosting this event, Riyadh demonstrates its commitment to city diplomacy and its role as a leader in the region, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a hub for international cooperation and investment.
In conclusion, the first Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum represents a significant step forward in strengthening ties between Arab and European cities and advancing sustainable urban development. Riyadh’s role as host underscores its emergence as a global city and its dedication to fostering cross-border partnerships. As the forum unfolds, it will undoubtedly generate new ideas, partnerships, and funding opportunities that will shape the future of cities in both regions. The event is a clear reflection of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its commitment to a better future for all. For more information, please visit the forum’s official website: https://aecd2025.org.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum?
A1. The Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum is the first international event of its kind in the region, organized by the Riyadh Municipality, to strengthen ties between Arab and European cities, promote city diplomacy, and support sustainable urban development. It will be held in Riyadh from May 11 to 13, 2025.
Q2. When and where will the forum take place?
A2. The forum will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from May 11 to 13, 2025. Riyadh was chosen as the inaugural host city, affirming its prominent status in the regional and global urban landscape.
Q3. Who is organizing the forum?
A3. The forum is organized by the Riyadh Municipality, in cooperation with the Arab Urban Development Institute, the PLATFORMA pan-European coalition of local and regional governments, and the International Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG International).
Q4. What is the theme of the forum?
A4. The theme is “City Partnerships for a Better Future,” which embodies a practical commitment by Arab and European cities to enhance joint action, exchange expertise, and explore innovative solutions to urban challenges.
Q5. Who will participate in the forum?
A5. The forum will see broad participation from mayors and municipal leaders, as well as representatives from urban organizations, municipal unions, development funds, and donor institutions, making it a central meeting point for decision-makers and international development actors.
Q6. What are the main topics to be discussed?
A6. The forum’s sessions will tackle core issues facing cities today, including infrastructure challenges, service quality improvement, digital transformation, sustainable financing, and climate change. It also aims to enhance multi-level cooperation among cities and other key players.
Q7. What activities are planned during the forum?
A7. Activities include interactive sessions, roundtables, a mayors’ forum, an idea marketplace, and workshops hosted by specialized international organizations. Field visits will also showcase Riyadh’s advanced urban development experience.
Q8. What are the expected outcomes of the forum?
A8. The initiative is expected to result in actionable recommendations that strengthen cities’ capabilities in innovation and participatory planning, with a focus on building cross-border partnerships in infrastructure and urban service project financing.
Q9. How does the forum support city diplomacy?
A9. The forum serves as a strategic platform to promote city diplomacy by bringing together municipal leaders to discuss shared challenges and solutions, fostering direct cooperation that complements traditional national-level diplomacy.
Q10. Why was Riyadh chosen as the host city?
A10. Riyadh was chosen as the inaugural host city due to its prominent status in the regional and global urban landscape, its pivotal role in supporting municipal initiatives, and its rapid transformation into a global city built on advanced infrastructure and ambitious vision.
Q11. What is the significance of the forum for Saudi Arabia?
A11. The forum reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a bridge between the Arab world and Europe, showcases its leadership in urban development, and aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing global engagement and attracting international partnerships.
Q12. How does the forum align with Saudi Vision 2030?
A12. The forum aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable urban development, fostering international partnerships, and showcasing Riyadh’s transformation. It supports economic diversification, environmental objectives, and the goal of a high quality of life.
Q13. What funding opportunities will the forum provide?
A13. The forum provides a practical platform to connect Arab and European cities with real funding opportunities through direct engagement with donor institutions and investors, opening new horizons for local projects within integrated development frameworks.
Q14. What field visits are planned?
A14. Field visits will showcase Riyadh’s advanced urban development experience, particularly in public transport and environmental transformation, offering delegates the opportunity to observe the city’s comprehensive transformation journey rooted in its cultural and social identity.
Q15. How will the forum enhance Arab-European relations?
A15. The forum will strengthen ties between Arab and European cities by fostering a network of partnerships to address shared challenges such as climate change and economic development, enhancing cooperation at the municipal level.
Q16. What is the role of the Arab Urban Development Institute?
A16. The Arab Urban Development Institute is a co-organizer of the forum, contributing its expertise in urban development across the Arab world to help design a program that addresses core urban issues and fosters collaboration.
Q17. What is PLATFORMA’s involvement?
A17. PLATFORMA, a pan-European coalition of local and regional governments, is a co-organizer, bringing a European perspective on decentralized cooperation and municipal governance to the forum’s agenda.
Q18. What is VNG International’s role?
A18. VNG International, the international agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities, is a co-organizer, adding expertise in municipal governance and capacity building to support the forum’s objectives.
Q19. How can interested parties get more information?
A19. Interested parties can visit the forum’s official website at https://aecd2025.org for more information about the event, including registration details and the full program.
Q20. What makes this forum historic?
A20. This forum is historic as the first Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum, the first of its kind in the region, bringing together mayors and municipal leaders from both regions to foster unprecedented cooperation and sustainable urban development.
Reader Feedback
We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.
Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.
Related articles
KSrelief Distributes 1,340 Food Baskets in Sudan’s Northern State
Saudi Industry Minister Meets Indonesian Counterpart in Jakarta
GCC Chief Meets Uzbekistan FM Ahead of Samarkand Summit
‘Crazy Speed’ Sculpture Relocated for Jeddah F1 Circuit
5.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Bali, No Damage Reported
Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah Concludes with Significant Agreements