Cairo, November 7, 2024 — During a pivotal session at the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) held in Cairo, Riyadh Region Mayor Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf delivered a keynote address titled “Building Riyadh's Global Impact: Through Major Events.” Representing Saudi Arabia as the head of the national delegation, Prince Faisal’s speech was a highlight of the forum's session on the “Legacy of Mega Events.”
In his address, Prince Faisal articulated Riyadh’s ambitious vision to become a premier hub for global events, underscoring the Saudi capital’s increasing role as a key influencer across multiple domains, including politics, culture, economy, society, entertainment, and tourism. He emphasized that Riyadh's strategic preparations reflect its status as one of the world’s most dynamic and influential cities, poised to host a multitude of large-scale international events in the coming years.
Prince Faisal outlined Riyadh’s plans to host the prestigious World Expo 2030, which he described as the city’s flagship upcoming event. He noted that this significant event, along with a diverse roster of other major sports, entertainment, and cultural gatherings, reflects Riyadh’s robust commitment to becoming a global center for high-profile events. In line with this, Riyadh has developed an extensive event calendar, which in the first half of 2022 alone saw the city host over 4,000 medium- and small-scale events, enhancing both community engagement and the city's vibrancy.
Highlighting Riyadh’s pioneering spirit, Prince Faisal detailed the impact of “Riyadh Season,” the city’s signature annual recreational festival that has drawn millions of visitors from around the world. He shared that last year’s edition attracted nearly 20 million attendees, showcasing an extensive range of activities designed for residents and tourists alike. The success of Riyadh Season, he said, underscores the city’s capacity to host major events and enhance its cultural and social landscape.
A key point in Prince Faisal's speech was Riyadh’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development. He stressed that the city’s approach to event-related construction goes beyond short-term usage, envisioning facilities that contribute to Riyadh’s urban framework in the long run. These structures are designed to be integral to the city’s growth and to offer lasting benefits, ensuring that they become permanent assets to the community rather than temporary event spaces.
Prince Faisal also advocated for a resident-centric approach in urban planning, underscoring the importance of community involvement in all phases of development projects. He highlighted that Riyadh aims to create a city that enhances the quality of daily life for its people, making event-related developments an enduring part of residents' lives. The projects, he asserted, are intended to improve ease of living and are aligned with sustainable urban development practices.
Finally, Prince Faisal underscored the importance of preserving Riyadh’s cultural and architectural heritage. He stressed that as Riyadh modernizes and expands, it remains committed to designing projects that respect and reflect the city’s historical and cultural identity. This approach, he said, not only preserves Riyadh’s unique character but also reinforces its status as a global destination with a distinct identity that honors its rich history.
Through his remarks, Prince Faisal conveyed a vision for Riyadh as a city that bridges tradition with innovation, integrating world-class infrastructure and events with the unique architectural and cultural identity of the Saudi capital. His speech at WUF12 underscored Riyadh’s commitment to sustainable urban development, positioning it as a leading city on the global stage in hosting events that are transformative, inclusive, and lasting.