In Conversation

An exclusive conversation with CEOs and industry leaders exploring Riyadh’s transformation journey, lessons learned, and opportunities for public–private collaboration. Panel Speakers: Mr. Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer of Diriyah Company. Ms. Jayne McGivern, Chief Executive Officer of the Sports Boulevard Foundation. Mr. George Tanasijevich, Chief Executive Officer of the King Salman Park Foundation. Moderator: […]
City-Led Project Pitches

The second session of the Urban Financing Forum featured live investment pitches by city leaders presenting urban infrastructure, resilience, and mobility initiatives. Eight cities—Nice, Djibouti, Ramallah, Chișinău, Madrid, Dammam, Erbil, and Nouakchott—showcased projects ranging from large-scale regeneration to community-based climate adaptation. Institutional representatives from the UN Road Safety Fund, Saudi Fund for Development, African Finance […]
AUDI Concludes Participation in Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) 2025 in Barcelona

The Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) concluded its participation in the Smart City Expo World Congress 2025 in Barcelona (SCEWC 2025), held in Barcelona, Spain, from November 2025 ,6–4. The congress is one of the world’s leading events on cities and urban innovation and serves as a platform that contributes to empowering cities in addressing […]
AECD 2025 Inaugural Forum Report

Arab and European cities share deep-rooted historical ties dating back centuries. These connections have significantly shaped their civilizations, economies, and urban landscapes. Today, these relationships provide a foundation for advancing urban communities and fostering economic and cultural exchange. As a result, cities on both sides have emerged as thriving and resilient global economic hubs, inspiring […]
Building Bridges Between Cities: Exploring Solutions for Shared Challenges

The report explores how Arab and European cities can strengthen cooperation by applying six practical models of urban connectivity. It focuses on three main priorities: building climate resilience, advancing digital transformation, and improving municipal finance. Drawing on case studies from cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Sofia, and Riyadh, the report presents actionable solutions for […]
Evening Program
FORUM FOR LOCAL ACTION
Semi-formal sessions organized by international organizations, oriented towards dealing with urban day-to-day challenges Session Details: Some of the sessions namely: Translation will be available in Arabic and English languages, possibility to accommodate more languages upon request (such as French and Spanish); final approved list of interpretation languages will be aligned with Guest Management stream.
URBAN FINANCING FORUM
City representatives present urban development proposals to funding institutions for feedback and matchmaking. Together with metropolis Session Details: OBJECTIVES
Plenary Session 4 on Municipal Financial Sustainability
Local Economic Development and Investment Strategies for Sustainable Urban Growth This session will explore local economic development and investment strategies, addressing resource access, regulatory hurdles, and institutional capacity in cities. It will highlight balancing infrastructure and economic growth, fostering cooperation, and tackling development amid global crises. Each PLENARY SESSIONS session will include Sessions Overview Theme […]
FORUM FOR LOCAL ACTION
Semi-formal sessions organized by international organizations, oriented towards dealing with urban day-to-day challenges Session Details: Some of the sessions namely: Translation will be available in Arabic and English languages, possibility to accommodate more languages upon request (such as French and Spanish); final approved list of interpretation languages will be aligned with Guest Management stream.