How French and Saudi architects are redesigning the cities of tomorrow

How French and Saudi architects are redesigning the cities of tomorrow
The Riyadh Metro is setting a new benchmark for urban transport in the Kingdom. (AFP)
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Updated 03 December 2024
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How French and Saudi architects are redesigning the cities of tomorrow

How French and Saudi architects are redesigning the cities of tomorrow
  • Riyadh, a city reconciling heritage and modernity, offers a diverse spectrum of opportunities for French architects to share their expertise
  • French-Saudi partnerships have thrived in AlUla, showcasing successful heritage preservation and architectural innovation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia today is synonymous with megaprojects. Since the launch of the Vision 2030 reform agenda, the Kingdom has rolled out a range of major infrastructure projects, spanning everything from education and healthcare, to tourism and public transport.

Last week, a new milestone was reached when King Salman inaugurated the Riyadh Metro — just one of the significant projects launched under the Vision 2030 framework.

With demand for public transport on the rise, the new metro, which features six lines and 85 stations spread along 176 kms of track, will boost connectivity. Future extensions are already in the works, as the city builds new economic, tech, and cultural infrastructure.

French companies are part of this expansion. Indeed, French engineering and consulting firm Setec Group is working on the development of metro lines, among other projects, including King Salman Park.

Setec Group has a track record of working on iconic buildings, high-rise tower projects, and light rail transit developments. It is among several companies associated with the non-profit French Architects for Export (AFEX) exploring the potential for strategic partnerships in line with Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s investment in megaprojects, infrastructure, urban planning, and landscape design aims to fuel its growth potential and increase its attractiveness in terms of foreign direct investment, tourism, hospitality, recreation, and sports.




Above, a view of the Ras Al-Khair water desalination plant along the Gulf coast in eastern Saudi Arabia. (AFP file photo)

The opportunities for French and Saudi collaborations are immense, as Vision 2030 positions Riyadh as one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world.

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRA) has become an active player in creating vibrant communities that reconcile tradition and modernity, growth, and sustainability. 

The objective is to create a space that encourages community living and smart mobility under MOMRA 2.0, preserving the history and identity of the Kingdom’s cities, while working closely with municipalities to ensure implementation.

“The implementation and the concretization of Vision 2030 is striking,” Reda Amalou, AFEX’s president, said during a recent visit to Riyadh along with a delegation of French architects.




French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, center, visits a construction site of the Riyadh Metro under the contract of French company ALSTOM on Jan. 24, 2017. (AFP)

“Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman opened the economy to the world while preserving the country’s tradition.”

Amalou said AlUla is a successful example of French-Saudi cooperation, highlighting the necessity for AFEX to continue sharing expertise and contributing to the architecture scene in Saudi Arabia.

In March 2023, a memorandum of understanding was signed between AFEX and the Architecture and Design Commission to provide vocational training opportunities for young Saudi professionals at French firms. 

Diriyah is a standout example of how the Kingdom is working to build a “city of the future” while preserving its unique heritage.

Inaugurated in 2019, the Diriyah project is in harmony with its surroundings, and is directly linked to Riyadh city, King Abdullah Financial District, and the new Murabba project, connecting tradition to modernity and the development of the city.

Saudi Arabia is also raising the bar for sustainability, placing it at the center of decision making. 

The Green Riyadh project aims to increase the area devoted to green spaces from 1.5 percent to 9.1 percent, thereby improving air quality, enhancing quality of life, reducing energy consumption and, ultimately, making Riyadh one of the 100 most livable cities in the world.




Unveiled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on April 3, the Saudi Green and Middle East Green initiatives are designed to reduce carbon emissions in the region by 60 percent. (Supplied/Green Riyadh Project)

Across these megaprojects emerges the need to redesign cities with a minimal footprint, with hyper-connectivity and proximity, and invisible infrastructure, enabling access to services for a growing population.

Riyadh, a city reconciling heritage and modernity, offers a diverse spectrum of opportunities for French architects to share their expertise, and contribute to the realization of Vision 2030.


Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief continues aid work in new year

Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief continues aid work in new year
Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief continues aid work in new year

Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief continues aid work in new year
  • The work reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment through KSrelief to help those most in need

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has continued its humanitarian work at the start of 2025, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

In Syria, 892 families received food aid and health kits in the Afrin and Aleppo governorates of the war-torn country, benefiting 5,352 individuals.

The agency also distributed bags of flour, winter kits, and personal-care bags to 211 families in Syria’s Al-Rastan area, benefitting 968 individuals.

In Syria’s Rural Damascus governorate, KSrelief distributed bags of flour, food aid, personal-care bags, and shelter kits to 164 families.

In Pakistan, there were 2,821 food parcels, benefiting 18,638 people, distributed in the Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan areas of Punjab province, and the Hingol area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

KSrelief also distributed 1,082 clothing vouchers to families in Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan’s Amman, Zarqa and Balqa governorates.


Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art to host ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition

Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art to host ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition
Updated 32 min 20 sec ago
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Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art to host ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition

Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art to host ‘Manga Hokusai Manga’ exhibition
  • Exhibition is homage to renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai

The much-anticipated “Manga Hokusai Manga” exhibition will be held at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art in JAX Diriyah from Jan. 15 to Feb. 8.

Held in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation, the exhibition, ratified by the Kingdom’s Museums Commission, will showcase the works of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.

It will highlight the history and evolution of manga, and provide a perspective on how Hokusai’s classical illustrations have influenced modern visual arts, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Hokusai published his first collection of art in 1814, featuring sketches of “daily life, landscapes and whimsical creatures,” according to a post on X by the museum.

The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art aims to foster cultural exchange between local and international creators.

This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan


Rain for 3 days over most parts of Saudi Arabia

Rain for 3 days over most parts of Saudi Arabia
Updated 10 January 2025
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Rain for 3 days over most parts of Saudi Arabia

Rain for 3 days over most parts of Saudi Arabia
  • Warning of high waves along the Kingdom’s coastlines

RIYADH: Rain of varying intensities will fall over most parts of Saudi Arabia from Jan. 10 to 12, the National Center for Meteorology stated on Thursday.

In a weather bulletin, the NCM warned of downpours accompanied by winds of up to 60 kph, and the possibility of torrential rain and hail. High waves are expected along the nation’s coastlines.

The regions of Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, and Hail will have rainy conditions on Friday and Saturday.

On Friday, rain is expected in the Tabuk and Madinah regions; on Saturday and Sunday in the Eastern Province, Asir and Jazan; and on Saturday in Qassim.

For the Riyadh and Al-Baha regions, rain is expected from Friday to Sunday.

The NCM urged the public to stay updated on the weather conditions in the Kingdom by checking the daily reports on its website, the Anwaa application, or its social media accounts.


Saudi Falcons Club CEO and Kazakhstan ambassador discuss ways to boost cooperation

Saudi Falcons Club CEO and Kazakhstan ambassador discuss ways to boost cooperation
Updated 10 January 2025
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Saudi Falcons Club CEO and Kazakhstan ambassador discuss ways to boost cooperation

Saudi Falcons Club CEO and Kazakhstan ambassador discuss ways to boost cooperation

RIYADH: The CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, Ahmed Al-Hababi, met Kazakhstan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Madiyar Menilbekov, in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss opportunities for cooperation and ways in which these might be enhanced to benefit mutual goals.

One of the topics was the Hadad Program, a leading initiative developed by the club with the aim of returning falcons to their natural habitats and saving the species from the threat of extinction.

Menilbekov praised the club for the important role it plays in enhancing falconry and preserving its cultural heritage.

The club said the meeting was part of its efforts to strengthen international partnerships in keeping with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification.
 


Saudi envoy to US outlines efforts to maintain safety of Saudi citizens amid LA wildfires

Saudi envoy to US outlines efforts to maintain safety of Saudi citizens amid LA wildfires
Updated 10 January 2025
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Saudi envoy to US outlines efforts to maintain safety of Saudi citizens amid LA wildfires

Saudi envoy to US outlines efforts to maintain safety of Saudi citizens amid LA wildfires

LOS ANGELES: Saudi ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar, reaffirmed on Thursday the embassy’s commitment to the safety and security of Saudi citizens in Los Angeles and surrounding areas impacted by wildfires, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a statement, Princess Reema emphasized that the embassy and the consulate general were working tirelessly to support citizens affected by the fires.

She highlighted that ensuring their well-being remains a top priority for Saudi diplomatic missions in the United States.

She said the team was monitoring the situation closely and was prepared to provide immediate assistance to those in need. The embassy and consulate were dedicated to ensuring the security and safety of all Saudi citizens in affected areas, she added.

The embassy and consulate have activated a round-the-clock response team to address concerns and offer necessary support, SPA added.

The wildfires in California have prompted widespread evacuations and caused significant disruptions in the Los Angeles area, with officials working to contain the blazes.