His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh, took part in the Saudi-French Investment Forum held on December 3, 2024. In his address, he highlighted the depth of the historic relations between Saudi Arabia and France, spanning more than 100 years.

Landmark moments in Saudi-French relations

Prince Faisal highlighted key milestones that have cemented ties between the two countries, pointing to the visit of the late King Faisal bin Abdulaziz to France in 1967 and his meeting with President Charles de Gaulle, which marked a major turning point. He also noted the 2018 visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to France, during which 19 agreements worth more than $18 billion were signed, spanning sectors such as petrochemicals, water treatment, tourism and culture.

Cooperation between Riyadh and Paris

His Highness affirmed the special relationship between the cities of Riyadh and Paris, which began with the signing of a cooperation and friendship charter between the two cities in 1997, during a visit by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, then Governor of Riyadh. He praised the successful partnerships achieved across all fields, stressing that these ties continue to grow and flourish.

Major transformations in Riyadh

In his address, the prince discussed the major economic and development transformations underway in Riyadh as part of Saudi Vision 2030. He noted that Riyadh is going through an unprecedented phase of growth, making it one of the world's most attractive cities for investment. He also pointed to the city's population diversity, with non-Saudis now making up more than half of its total population, reflecting the city's vibrancy and the inclusiveness of its economy.

Major projects in Riyadh

His Highness reviewed some of the flagship projects strengthening Riyadh's status as a global investment destination, including:

  • The Riyadh Metro project, one of the largest public transport projects in the world.
  • The Diriyah project, which aims to transform the area into a global tourism and cultural destination.
  • The Qiddiya project and King Salman Park, both aimed at improving quality of life in the capital.

A call to invest

In closing, the prince invited French investors to explore the promising investment opportunities in Riyadh, stressing that the city is not only a destination for the present but a "city of the future," adding that realizing these ambitions depends on strengthening international cooperation and strategic partnerships.