The MasterClass on Artificial Intelligence, organized by the Riyadh Municipality in partnership with the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), was launched today in the Saudi capital as part of the preparatory activities for the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress, which the city will host in early December 2025.

The program takes place on November 29–30, 2025, under the theme “Artificial Intelligence in Decision-Making for Urban Planning,” aiming to enhance the readiness of local and international professionals participating in the Congress and to strengthen discussions on the future of cities and urban development trends.

The program is implemented in collaboration with the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), one of the leading global institutions specializing in planning and architectural technologies. It features experts presenting the latest practical applications of AI in spatial and urban data analysis, alongside exploring the role of digital technologies in supporting decision-making and shaping more efficient and sustainable urban policies.

The program reflects the Riyadh Municipality’s commitment to developing national competencies and enabling them to acquire advanced skills aligned with the global technological transformations in the urban sector, particularly as the Kingdom moves toward building smart cities driven by innovation and data. It also supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Saudi cities and improving the quality of life.

Forty specialists from inside and outside the Kingdom participate in the program, contributing to global knowledge exchange and exposure to best practices in AI-driven urban transformation.

The program includes intensive practical training designed to develop innovative work models capable of addressing accelerating urban challenges and supporting urban development efforts in Riyadh and other Saudi cities.

The MasterClass concludes with a focus on AI applications in urban planning, from analysis to design, discussing key issues such as water scarcity, waste management, mobility improvement, food security, and climate resilience. Participants are provided with practical, non-programming tools to create implementable solutions that contribute to building more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable cities.