Cairo, November 7, 2024 – Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, leading the Saudi Arabian delegation at the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12), met with Egypt's Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, Engineer Sherif El-Sherbiny, during his visit to Egypt’s pavilion at the forum. The WUF12, hosted in Cairo, has attracted international leaders, experts, and stakeholders, all gathering to exchange ideas on sustainable urban development.
During the meeting, El-Sherbiny commended Saudi Arabia’s active engagement in the forum, highlighting the importance of shared knowledge and cooperation in urban planning and sustainable development between regional neighbors. The Egyptian minister provided an in-depth overview of Egypt's progress in housing and urban development, emphasizing initiatives aimed at improving unsafe areas, creating sustainable housing solutions, and establishing new cities. Egypt's recent successes in developing new urban centers and reducing high-risk living areas were focal points of the discussion, which underscored the strides made by the country in enhancing urban quality of life for its citizens.
Accompanying Prince Faisal was Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Egypt, Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini, whose presence underscored the significance of this diplomatic and developmental engagement. Their presence at WUF12 reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering regional partnerships in urban development and exploring innovative solutions for sustainable growth.
In addition to his visit to the Egyptian pavilion, Prince Faisal also toured the national displays of Malaysia and Azerbaijan. During these visits, he was briefed on each country's unique approaches to urban planning, innovative housing projects, and sustainable urban initiatives. These interactions allowed the Saudi delegation to explore and potentially adopt relevant practices for Saudi Arabia’s urban development strategies.
The participation of Saudi Arabia at WUF12 reinforces its dedication to the global urban development dialogue, showcasing a shared vision for future-ready cities and sustainable, livable communities in the region and beyond.
