Riyadh Municipality participated in the 62nd session of the Executive Council of the Arab Towns Organization (ATO) held in Tangier, Morocco, from January 31 to February 3, 2025. The delegation, led by Assistant Mayor of the Riyadh Region Eng. Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al-Makhdoub, represented Mayor of the Riyadh Region and Chairman of the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf. The session focused on strengthening Arab urban cooperation and preparing for the upcoming Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum, which Riyadh will host in May 2025.
Context and Background
The Arab Towns Organization (ATO) is a leading platform for promoting collaboration among Arab cities in urban development, municipal services, and sustainable growth. The 62nd Executive Council meeting brought together municipal leaders from across the Arab world to discuss shared challenges and opportunities. Riyadh’s active participation underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regional urban cooperation and its role as a hub for international dialogue. The hosting of the Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of fostering global partnerships and knowledge exchange.
Key Details
During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the upcoming Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum, which Riyadh will host from May 11 to 13, 2025. Organized by the Riyadh Municipality in partnership with the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), the forum has extended invitations to more than 120 secretaries and mayors from major Arab and European cities, as well as over 50 urban organizations, banks, and development funds. The forum aims to enhance communication between Arab and European cities, build partnerships, exchange expertise among local governments in urban development, and strengthen funding opportunities for urban development projects through participating international banks and funds.
Implications and Impact
The Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum represents a significant step in bridging urban development practices between two major regions. By facilitating direct dialogue between city leaders, the forum is expected to spur collaborative projects in sustainable infrastructure, smart city technologies, and municipal service improvements. The participation of financial institutions will help secure funding for initiatives that align with Vision 2030’s objectives, such as enhancing quality of life and economic diversification. This event also positions Riyadh as a global convener, strengthening its reputation as a forward-looking capital.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and urban excellence as drivers of national transformation. Hosting the Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum directly supports the Vision’s goals of building vibrant communities, fostering innovation, and establishing the Kingdom as a nexus for cross-regional partnerships. The forum’s focus on sustainable urban development and funding aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens and residents.
20 Questions
Q1. What was the purpose of the Riyadh Municipality’s participation in the 62nd ATO Executive Council session?
A1. The purpose was to represent Saudi Arabia in discussions on Arab urban cooperation and to prepare for the Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum that Riyadh will host.
Q2. Who led the Riyadh Municipality delegation to the session?
A2. The delegation was led by Assistant Mayor of the Riyadh Region Eng. Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al-Makhdoub.
Q3. On whose behalf did the delegation participate?
A3. They participated on behalf of Mayor of the Riyadh Region and Chairman of AUDI Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf.
Q4. Where was the 62nd Executive Council session held?
A4. The session was held in Tangier, Morocco, from January 31 to February 3, 2025.
Q5. What is the Arab Towns Organization (ATO)?
A5. ATO is a regional organization that promotes cooperation among Arab cities in urban development, municipal services, and sustainable growth.
Q6. What is the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI)?
A6. AUDI is an institute under ATO focused on urban development research and training, chaired by Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf.
Q7. When will the Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum take place?
A7. The forum will take place in Riyadh from May 11 to 13, 2025.
Q8. How many mayors and secretaries have been invited to the forum?
A8. Invitations were extended to more than 120 mayors and secretaries from major Arab and European cities.
Q9. How many organizations, banks, and funds have been invited?
A9. Over 50 urban organizations, banks, and development funds have been invited.
Q10. What are the main objectives of the forum?
A10. The forum aims to enhance communication, build partnerships, exchange expertise in urban development, and strengthen funding for development projects.
Q11. How does the forum align with Vision 2030?
A11. It supports Vision 2030 by fostering international partnerships, promoting urban excellence, and driving economic diversification.
Q12. What topics will the forum address?
A12. The forum will address urban development, smart city technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and municipal service improvements.
Q13. Which financial institutions will participate?
A13. International banks and development funds will participate to provide funding opportunities for urban projects.
Q14. What is the significance of Riyadh hosting the forum?
A14. It positions Riyadh as a global convener and strengthens its role as a hub for cross-regional urban dialogue.
Q15. How does the forum benefit Arab cities?
A15. Arab cities gain access to European expertise, funding, and partnerships for sustainable urban development.
Q16. How does the forum benefit European cities?
A16. European cities can share best practices and explore collaboration opportunities in the rapidly growing Arab urban market.
Q17. What was the role of the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) in this news?
A17. SPA reported the participation as an official Saudi news source, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
Q18. What is the connection between ATO and AUDI?
A18. AUDI is the research and training arm of ATO, focusing on urban development in the Arab world.
Q19. How does this participation reflect Saudi Arabia’s global engagement?
A19. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in regional and international urban cooperation under Vision 2030.
Q20. What outcomes are expected from the forum?
A20. Expected outcomes include signed partnerships, funding agreements, and actionable plans for joint urban projects.
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