Riyadh's Diverse and Thriving Population
Expatriates constitute nearly half of Riyadh's population, showcasing the capital's welcoming nature and robust economy. Mayor Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf emphasized this point during the Saudi-French Investment Forum, underlining Riyadh's diversity and economic appeal.
Saudi-French Relations Through the Years
The mayor highlighted the historic partnership between Saudi Arabia and France, dating back over a century. Key milestones include:
- 1967 Visit by King Faisal: Strengthened ties through a meeting with President Charles de Gaulle.
- 2018 Agreements: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's trip resulted in $18 billion worth of agreements across industries like petrochemicals, tourism, and culture.
Riyadh’s Transformation Under Vision 2030
Prince Faisal elaborated on Riyadh's transformation, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. He discussed groundbreaking projects, such as:
- Riyadh Metro: One of the largest public transit projects globally.
- Cultural and Leisure Projects: Diriyah, Qiddiya, and King Salman Park aim to enhance quality of life and position Riyadh as a world-class tourist destination.
A Call for International Collaboration
The mayor invited French investors to explore lucrative opportunities in Riyadh, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in achieving the city's ambitious goals.
Riyadh – A City of the Future
In his concluding remarks, Prince Faisal described Riyadh as not only a city of the present but also one poised for a brighter, sustainable future.
