The “Arab-European Cities Dialogue Forum” kicked off today in Riyadh, with participation from over 100 mayors of Arab and European cities, alongside several international organizations and development institutions, organized by the Riyadh Municipality.

His Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayaaf, Secretary of Riyadh Region and President of the Arab Institute for Urban Development, affirmed during the opening ceremony the deep-rooted dynamic relationship between Arab and European cities—a relationship as old as civilization itself. This relationship has been shaped through an ongoing urban dialogue spanning centuries, continuously reshaping our vision of city building, management, and sustainability. He highlighted how geography and history bear witness to the longstanding interaction and mutual influence between Arab and European cities.

At the start of his speech, His Highness warmly welcomed the guests, delegation leaders, and organization representatives, hoping their visit to Riyadh would be an opportunity to explore the city and its innovative urban planning practices that harmoniously blend historical depth and cultural richness with modernity in a digital transformation era.

He pointed out that Arab and European cities face both shared and distinct challenges today, emphasizing that the forum’s agenda focuses on key themes relevant to both regions. The goal is to learn from each other how to create more humane cities with a stronger emphasis on quality of life.

Regarding the forum’s significance, His Highness explained that it serves as a platform for exchanging expertise and building partnerships among more than 100 Arab and European cities and organizations. This cooperation aims to develop joint solutions to urban challenges, address community needs, promote inclusive governance, preserve cultural heritage, and collaborate on climate action and urban greening.

The opening ceremony featured a musical performance by a joint orchestra blending Arab and European art, presenting pieces that combined authentic Arab heritage with European classical music. This artistic display embodied the forum’s message, “Art Unites Cities,” reflecting the spirit of cultural and human convergence among the participating cultures.

Dr. Anas Al-Mughairi, Director General of the Arab Institute for Urban Development, also spoke at the ceremony. He stressed the forum’s importance as a strategic platform for enhancing urban dialogue and exchanging experiences among cities. He noted that today’s urban challenges require cross-border cooperation based on knowledge exchange and innovative, sustainable partnerships. He added, “Cities are no longer merely centers for living and working; they have become spaces of global influence, shaping the future of humanity.”

The forum is a leading international platform for exchanging urban expertise, showcasing financing and cooperation opportunities, within a comprehensive vision aimed at building a better future for cities in the Arab world and Europe.