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Saudi Arabia joins global celebration of World Cities Day

Riyadh – Saudi Arabia joined nations across the world in celebrating World Cities Day, an annual event observed on October 31, highlighting the Kingdom’s impressive urban transformation and progress in sustainable city development.

The celebration underscores the nation’s achievements in creating modern, people-focused cities that prioritize quality of life, innovation, and environmental balance.

Saudi Arabia’s participation reflects its commitment to global urban initiatives that align with Vision 2030, emphasizing smart growth, sustainability, and inclusive urban living.

The celebration marks a moment of pride for the Kingdom as it continues to redefine urban living through ambitious development projects led by various government entities.

These projects aim to create vibrant, inclusive, and technologically advanced cities that meet the needs of both residents and visitors.

The Saudi Press Agency noted that these national efforts have resulted in improved infrastructure, enhanced public services, and better living standards, all contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous urban environment.

World Cities Day provides a global platform to share experiences, promote cooperation, and raise awareness about urbanization’s challenges and opportunities.

The event supports the New Urban Agenda, which encourages collaboration between countries to create cities that are resilient, inclusive, and designed for future generations.

For Saudi Arabia, this celebration highlights its role as a regional leader in urban innovation, planning, and sustainable development.

This year’s World Cities Day theme, “People-Centred Smart Cities,” emphasizes the importance of technology and innovation in improving urban life.

The theme resonates strongly with Saudi Arabia’s own goals under Vision 2030, which aim to make cities smarter, more efficient, and more connected.

By integrating digital technologies into urban design and governance, the Kingdom is ensuring that its cities evolve in ways that enhance mobility, environmental protection, and social engagement.

The United Nations has emphasized that digital transformation is reshaping how cities are managed, providing opportunities to improve services, infrastructure, and governance.

Saudi Arabia’s ongoing projects—such as NEOM, The Line, and other smart city initiatives—are examples of how the Kingdom is embracing these changes.

These projects embody the nation’s vision for sustainable urban growth that harmonizes modern living with environmental preservation and cultural heritage.

World Cities Day also serves to raise international awareness of the need for sustainable and equitable urban development.

Saudi Arabia’s active participation demonstrates its dedication to building cities that are inclusive, innovative, and environmentally responsible.

Through international partnerships, research collaborations, and investment in infrastructure, the Kingdom is contributing to global efforts aimed at creating livable and future-ready urban spaces.

As cities around the world face rapid population growth, technological disruption, and environmental challenges, Saudi Arabia is setting a benchmark for urban resilience.

Its focus on green architecture, renewable energy integration, and sustainable mobility solutions ensures that development remains people-centered and environmentally conscious.

These initiatives not only elevate the standard of living within Saudi cities but also position the Kingdom as a model for sustainable progress in the region.

The celebration of World Cities Day in Saudi Arabia reinforces the message that urbanization, when guided by thoughtful planning and innovation, can lead to prosperity, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.

With strong leadership and vision, Saudi Arabia continues to build cities that inspire creativity, support communities, and foster global collaboration in urban development.