Riyadh – 14 Jumada Al-Akhirah 1447 AH | 5 December 2025 – BETH

Riyadh concluded yesterday the 61st World Planning Congress of the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), organized by the Riyadh Municipality in collaboration with the International Society, with the participation of experts, planners, and academics from more than 50 countries.
The event featured high-level sessions and workshops that explored the future of urban planning and the challenges of contemporary cities, and recorded an exceptional turnout.

The Congress wrapped up with the announcement that the Riyadh Municipality has officially joined ISOCARP as a full member, strengthening the capital’s global presence among advanced professional platforms in the field of urban and regional planning.

Visions… and Experiences that Shape the Future

Assistant Undersecretary for Urban Planning at Riyadh Municipality, Eng. Saleh Al-Saif, said during the closing ceremony:

“We conclude this Congress after days filled with scientific papers, experiences, and ideas that we hope will evolve into initiatives capable of creating real impact in planning practices around the world.”

He noted that this year’s themes reflected the major transformations cities face today — urban, economic, digital, and climate challenges — alongside issues related to infrastructure, housing, transport, data, artificial intelligence, quality of life, urban design, and the development of public spaces.

Al-Saif added that the Congress produced a rich body of knowledge that will be digitally archived for planners and decision-makers worldwide, highlighting that the event coincided with the launch of a new edition of the “Young Planning Professionals – YPP” initiative, which empowers the next generation to present their visions on key urban planning issues.

International Recognition

President of ISOCARP, Elizabeth Belpaire, described the event as “exceptional” in scale, noting that participation exceeded 1,200 attendees from more than 50 countries.
She praised the creative environment provided by Riyadh at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, a uniquely designed venue that blended innovation and cultural identity, resonating strongly with young planners.

Belpaire confirmed the official membership of the Riyadh Municipality in ISOCARP, emphasizing that collaboration will continue beyond the event, transforming the outcomes into practical programs that contribute to developing more sustainable and human-centered cities.

Conclusion… and the Start of a New Path

The closing ceremony marked the end of this year’s Congress, with an emphasis that the real impact begins now — by translating the ideas and visions presented into projects, partnerships, and actionable programs that enhance quality of life and shape future cities that are more welcoming to people.

BETH Commentary | A Deeper Reading

Riyadh once again affirms its place as a global platform redefining the future of urban planning — not merely by hosting an international event, but by institutionalizing its presence through ISOCARP membership, and by linking knowledge with real-world application.

This milestone reflects a clear Saudi direction:

From a city expanding outward…
to a city producing urban knowledge that travels to the world.

A step that confirms the urban future of the region will be written from Riyadh — not written about Riyadh.