Riyadh Region Municipality has launched a specialized masterclass program on artificial intelligence in urban planning, held on November 29–30, 2025, in partnership with the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), as part of preparations for the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress scheduled for early December 2025 in Riyadh. The initiative underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s determination to lead the global conversation on smart, sustainable urban development and to ensure that local and international professionals are fully prepared for the congress’s high-level discussions on the future of cities.
Why does a training program held just days before a major international congress matter so much? Because it signals that Saudi Arabia is not merely hosting a global event but actively shaping the knowledge and skills of the professionals who will deliver the cities of tomorrow. The masterclass, implemented with the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, one of the world’s leading institutions specializing in planning and architectural technologies, brought together experts to present the latest practical applications of artificial intelligence in analyzing spatial and urban data. This preparatory effort reflects the Kingdom’s broader commitment to innovation, capacity building, and international collaboration under Vision 2030.
Context and Background
The 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress represents a significant milestone for Riyadh and for the Kingdom’s growing role in global urban policy. ISOCARP, the International Society of City and Regional Planners, is a respected international association that brings together urban planners, architects, and policymakers from around the world to exchange knowledge and best practices. Hosting such a congress in Riyadh demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a hub for urban innovation and its willingness to engage with the international community on shared challenges such as climate resilience, sustainable mobility, and efficient resource management.
The Riyadh Region Municipality, the government body responsible for the development and administration of the Saudi capital and its surrounding region, organized the masterclass as part of its preparatory efforts. By partnering with the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, the Municipality has drawn on world-class expertise to ensure that participants gain practical, actionable insights. The program was held on November 29–30, 2025, immediately before the congress, allowing participants to enter the main event with enhanced knowledge and a shared vocabulary around artificial intelligence and digital tools in urban planning.
This initiative is not an isolated event but part of a sustained effort to modernize urban governance in Saudi Arabia. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is investing heavily in smart city technologies, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable urban design. The masterclass aligns with these objectives by equipping professionals with the skills needed to address rapid urbanization and to build cities that are efficient, intelligent, and livable.
Key Details of the Masterclass Program
The masterclass program focused on the practical applications of artificial intelligence in urban planning, from analysis to design. Experts presented the latest tools and methodologies for analyzing spatial and urban data, showcasing how digital technologies can support decision-making and lead to more efficient and sustainable urban policies. Participants engaged in intensive practical training designed to develop innovative working models capable of addressing rapid urban challenges and supporting urban development efforts in Riyadh and cities across the Kingdom.
A key feature of the program was its emphasis on equipping participants with practical, non-programming tools. This approach ensures that planners, policymakers, and other professionals—regardless of their technical background—can harness AI to develop actionable solutions. The training addressed critical urban issues such as water scarcity, waste management, mobility enhancement, food security, and climate resilience. These are precisely the challenges that many cities around the world face, and Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach positions it as a leader in developing scalable solutions.
The program concluded with a focus on the applications of AI in urban planning, highlighting how these technologies can transform the way cities are designed and managed. By the end of the masterclass, participants were better prepared to contribute to the congress’s discussions and to apply their new skills in their respective roles. The collaboration with the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia added significant value, as the institute is renowned for its research and teaching in architecture and planning technologies.
International and Regional Impact
The hosting of the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress in Riyadh, coupled with this preparatory masterclass, sends a powerful message about Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international cooperation in urban development. By bringing together local and international professionals, the Kingdom is fostering a global dialogue on the future of cities. This exchange of knowledge is mutually beneficial: international experts gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of the Middle East, while Saudi professionals learn from global best practices.
Regionally, the initiative reinforces Riyadh’s status as a leading city in the Arab world and beyond. As the capital of the Kingdom, Riyadh is undergoing rapid transformation, with mega-projects and smart city initiatives that are attracting worldwide attention. The masterclass and congress provide a platform for showcasing these developments and for learning from other cities’ experiences. This collaborative spirit is essential for addressing transnational challenges such as climate change, which do not respect borders.
The involvement of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia also highlights the Kingdom’s ability to attract top-tier international partners. Such partnerships are a vote of confidence in Saudi Arabia’s vision and its capacity to execute complex, forward-looking projects. They also contribute to the transfer of technology and know-how, which will have lasting benefits for the Kingdom’s urban sector.
Economic and Strategic Significance
Investing in AI and digital technologies for urban planning is not just a technical exercise; it is a strategic economic decision. Efficient, sustainable cities are more productive, more attractive to investment, and better able to provide a high quality of life for their residents. By training professionals in these cutting-edge tools, Saudi Arabia is enhancing its human capital and building the foundation for long-term economic growth. The knowledge gained from the masterclass will help planners make better decisions about infrastructure, transportation, and resource allocation, leading to cost savings and improved services.
Moreover, the congress itself is an economic opportunity for Riyadh. Hosting an international event of this scale brings visitors, generates business activity, and showcases the Kingdom’s capabilities to a global audience. It also supports the growth of the local events and tourism sectors, which are key components of Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals. The masterclass, by ensuring that participants are well-prepared, helps maximize the value of the congress and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a reliable and innovative host.
From a strategic perspective, leadership in urban planning technologies aligns with the Kingdom’s ambition to be a global pioneer in smart cities. The NEOM project, for example, is designed to be one of the most advanced urban environments in the world, and the lessons learned from initiatives like this masterclass will feed into such mega-projects. By fostering expertise at home and engaging with international experts, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of the next wave of urban innovation.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The masterclass program and the upcoming ISOCARP World Planning Congress are directly aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s comprehensive plan to diversify its economy and modernize its society. Vision 2030 emphasizes the development of smart cities, the improvement of quality of life, and the creation of a knowledge-based economy. By investing in AI training for urban planners, the Riyadh Region Municipality is contributing to these objectives, ensuring that Saudi cities are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Furthermore, the emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation in urban planning supports the Vision’s environmental and economic pillars. The masterclass’s focus on water scarcity, waste management, and climate resilience addresses some of the most pressing issues facing the Kingdom and the world. By equipping professionals with the tools to tackle these challenges, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating its commitment to responsible stewardship of resources and to building a sustainable future for generations to come.
In conclusion, the Riyadh Region Municipality’s launch of the AI masterclass for the ISOCARP World Planning Congress is a clear example of Saudi Arabia’s proactive and forward-looking approach to urban development. It combines international partnership, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to human capital development—all hallmarks of Vision 2030. As the Kingdom continues to transform its cities and its economy, initiatives like this will play a vital role in ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains a leader on the global stage. The congress in early December 2025 will undoubtedly be a landmark event, and the masterclass has set the stage for meaningful discussions and lasting collaborations.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the purpose of the masterclass program organized by the Riyadh Region Municipality?
A1. The masterclass aims to strengthen the readiness of local and international professionals participating in the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress and to enrich discussions on the future of cities and urban development trends.
Q2. When and where was the masterclass held?
A2. The masterclass was held on November 29–30, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, immediately before the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress.
Q3. Who partnered with the Riyadh Region Municipality to organize the masterclass?
A3. The Riyadh Region Municipality partnered with the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) and the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia.
Q4. What is ISOCARP?
A4. ISOCARP stands for the International Society of City and Regional Planners, a global association of urban planning professionals that organizes the World Planning Congress.
Q5. What topics were covered in the masterclass?
A5. The masterclass covered practical applications of artificial intelligence in analyzing spatial and urban data, digital technologies for decision-making, and sustainable urban policies.
Q6. What specific urban challenges were addressed?
A6. The program addressed water scarcity, waste management, mobility enhancement, food security, and climate resilience, among other critical urban issues.
Q7. Who presented at the masterclass?
A7. A group of experts presented the latest practical applications of AI in analyzing spatial and urban data and showcased the role of digital technologies in urban planning.
Q8. What kind of training did participants receive?
A8. Participants received intensive practical training designed to develop innovative working models to address rapid urban challenges and support urban development in Riyadh and across the Kingdom.
Q9. What tools were participants equipped with?
A9. Participants were equipped with practical, non-programming tools to develop actionable solutions for building more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable cities.
Q10. Why is the masterclass important for the upcoming congress?
A10. It prepares participants to engage more effectively in the congress discussions and ensures that the Kingdom’s professionals are ready to contribute to global dialogues on urban development.
Q11. How does this initiative align with Saudi Vision 2030?
A11. It supports Vision 2030’s goals of smart city development, economic diversification, sustainability, and human capital development through advanced training.
Q12. What is the significance of partnering with the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia?
A12. The institute is a world leader in planning and architectural technologies, bringing top-tier expertise and international best practices to the program.
Q13. When is the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress taking place?
A13. The congress is scheduled to be hosted in Riyadh in early December 2025.
Q14. What are the expected outcomes of the masterclass?
A14. Expected outcomes include enhanced skills for participants, innovative working models for urban challenges, and stronger international collaboration in urban planning.
Q15. How does this event reflect Saudi Arabia’s global role?
A15. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s leadership in urban innovation, its ability to host major international events, and its commitment to global cooperation on sustainable development.
Q16. What is the role of artificial intelligence in urban planning according to the masterclass?
A16. AI helps analyze spatial and urban data, supports decision-making, and enables more efficient and sustainable urban policies and designs.
Q17. Will the masterclass have a lasting impact on Riyadh’s urban development?
A17. Yes, by equipping professionals with advanced skills, it will contribute to more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable urban development in Riyadh and beyond.
Q18. How does the masterclass support local professionals?
A18. It provides local professionals with access to cutting-edge knowledge and tools, enhancing their capacity to address urban challenges and implement innovative solutions.
Q19. What makes Riyadh an ideal host for the ISOCARP World Planning Congress?
A19. Riyadh is a rapidly transforming capital with ambitious smart city projects and a strong commitment to urban innovation, making it a fitting venue for global discussions.
Q20. What is the overall message of this initiative?
A20. The initiative shows Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to shaping the future of cities through international partnership, technology, and capacity building, in line with Vision 2030.
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