JEDDAH: The third edition of the Cityquest-KAEC Forum opened in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) on Tuesday. 

The two-day forum, being held with the support of Prince Khalid Al Faisal, adviser of the custodian of the two holy mosques and governor of the Makkah region, focuses on building value for all as a key dimension to the competitiveness and success of new cities. 

The forum is organized by King KAEC in partnership with the new cities foundation.

The forum’s main objective is to generate cohesive strategies for making these cities of the future a sustainable success. Experts discussed the large and medium scale new cities that rise on the promise of greener or more productive lifestyles; designed as hubs for a new economy; yet more are created to deliver on the promise of technology and infrastructure systems. 

All of these cities have one common goal; they must present an attractive and affordable value proposition for both residents and investors. They must become sustainable and complement existing cities and towns. The impetus, the strategy and the partnerships behind each new city project may differ but all new cities need to offer investors, businesses and most importantly inhabitants the right value for the investment required — a lifestyle and opportunity that keeps them attractive over the long term.

Fahad Hamidaddin, secretary general of Cityquest-KAEC Forum and CMO, welcomed the guests and outlined the two-year progress of the forum.

He said the number of new cities that participate has exceeded 30 and the cityquest is the single annual meeting for the new cities which are on the rise and KAEC provides them a platform to discuss their challenges and new visions.

Fahad Al-Rasheed, MD and group CEO, KAEC, said the KAEC will have the world’s largest port by the end of the coming year, which will change the economic landscape of the region.

The industrial valley has succeeded in attracting about 100 international and local companies, of which 27 have already begun the industrial and commercial activity and provided their products to markets.

“We have started implementing the second plan for the next 10 years as the growth of economic cities will double,” he said. 

John Rossant, chairman of new cities foundation, welcomed the experts and expressed hope on the success of the forum, especially in the presence of world experts.

The forum had panel discussions on building value; building affordable new cities; disruptive ideas were discussed as reinventing connectivity, cities at sea and urban food revolution; Impact KAEC challenge findings; attracting entrepreneurs;  transporting tomorrow’s urbanites; Hacking the master plan; glimpse of KAEC’s urbanization and experience. 

The keynote speakers of the first panel discussion concluded that the building of new cities can give more opportunities to the citizens of experiencing the latest development in the world.

They can also experience how the new cities can put values in cultural exchanges, happiness and peace, opportunities, facilities, and use of latest technology and proactive sense belonging. Participation of residence is the key in the success of the building new cities, one of them said. 

The future cities are expecting to be smart cities both technologically and environmentally.