As Riyadh undergoes rapid transformation, the city faces a pivotal challenge: balancing growth and diversification with the environmental and social imperatives of the 21st century. Building resilient, future-ready urban landscapes requires more than physical infrastructure. It calls for visionary leadership, strong governance, and inclusive, multi-actor strategies that safeguard the well-being of communities for generations to come.
To support this mission, IHS organised a one-week executive course on Integrating Smart and Green City Solutions for the cities in Riyadh Amanah. This course was the first of three trainings under the IHS–UNDP Technical Assistance Riyadh Amanah (TARA) Project. The programme equipped local government staff from the Riyadh Amanah Region with knowledge, tools, and practical frameworks to navigate today’s urban challenges. Participants explored key themes such as green cities, circular economy, nature-based solutions, and climate-resilient development with a focus on translating global insights into strategies tailored for Riyadh’s unique context.
"At UNDP TARA, we are delighted to partner with IHS in delivering this training, which reflects our joint commitment to building capacities and fostering innovative solutions for sustainable urban development. The collaboration has been a true example of how shared expertise and dedication can translate into lasting impact for our partners at Riyadh Region Municipality and contribute to their passionate efforts to achieve their vision."
- Hala Abu Nuwar, Capacity Development Lead, UNDP Technical Assistance to Riyadh Region Amanah (TARA) Programme
Setting the scene
The course began by examining how strategic urban planning can advance sustainability and resilience. Participants explored how engaging multiple stakeholders from government and private sector to academia and communities can foster inclusive approaches to urban development. Field visits in Rotterdam showcased local greening and nature-based solutions (NbS) projects, inspiring new perspectives on how Riyadh might adapt these practices.
“The training was an enriching experience that expanded my perspective on sustainable urban development. The balance between theory and real-world case studies made it especially impactful, particularly during the City Game workshop.”
- Manar Bin Swailem, Urban planner, Director of program and service project’s, Riyadh Amanah
Nature-based solutions and affordable housing
On the second day, the focus shifted to practical interventions. Participants delved into the principles and benefits of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), including green and blue infrastructure and ecosystem restoration, analysing their role in enhancing biodiversity, human well-being, and climate resilience. Discussions also addressed sustainable and affordable housing strategies through an interactive Play the City game developed and facilitated by Dr. Ekim Tan, highlighting ways Riyadh Municipality can meet residents’ needs while advancing environmental and economic goals.
Circular economy and urban resilience
Midweek, attention turned to the circular economy and its transformative role in urban transitions. A highlight of the day was the visit to BlueCity Rotterdam, where participants saw firsthand how the municipality created a platform for entrepreneurs to experiment, collaborate, and launch circular start-ups. This innovative hub demonstrated how providing space and support for new business models can accelerate the shift from a linear to a circular economy.
Building on this inspiration, participants engaged in workshops to explore how similar approaches could be adapted to Riyadh. Using the City Resilience Framework and the Resilience Wheel, they conducted urban risk assessments, diagnosing vulnerabilities and co-designing resilience strategies that respond to Riyadh’s specific challenges.
"This training broadened my perspective on sustainable urban development. I particularly valued the analysis sessions, which enhanced my ability to identify urban challenges and develop practical, evidence-based solutions. The integration of theory, case studies, and field visits provided a strong link between conceptual knowledge and real-world application, offering clear insights that can inform future planning initiatives in Riyadh."
- Joud Altowaijri - Urban planner , Head of Studies and Designs, Department for Service Projects, Riyadh Amanah
Smart cities and sustainable housing
Participants spent their fourth day in Amsterdam, exploring how the city integrates smart technologies and sustainable housing into its broader urban transformation. The excursion began at the Marineterrein, a living lab where new technologies and urban innovations are tested in real-life settings before being scaled up. This showcased how experimentation and pilot projects can drive smart city development.
The group then visited Schoonschip, a pioneering floating neighborhood that has become a model for sustainable housing and energy efficiency. Here, residents generate their own renewable energy, share resources, and adopt circular practices, offering a tangible example of community-led sustainability in action.
The day concluded in Amsterdam North and a boat tour in Amsterdam canals where participants explored urban regeneration projects that have transformed former industrial areas into vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods. These visits underscored the importance of combining technical innovation, sustainable housing design, and community-driven initiatives to create healthy, inclusive, and climate-resilient cities.
“I am truly inspired by the dedication of Riyadh Municipality staff who fully embraced this intensive week of learning. Their openness to draw lessons from the Netherlands and commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development give me confidence that the course takeaways will help shape Riyadh’s sustainable future.”
- Charmae Pyl Wissink-Nercua, Course Manager
A week of learning and collaboration
Over the course of the week, participants engaged in interactive discussions, group work, case studies, serious games, and immersive study visits—bridging theory and practice in dynamic, participatory ways. By the end of the programme, Riyadh’s urban leaders had not only deepened their technical knowledge but also strengthened their capacity for collaborative governance and multi-stakeholder engagement.
"The training was an inspiring journey that turned theories into meaningful, real-world experiences. The blend of lectures, workshops, and field visits not only expanded my knowledge but also fueled my motivation to pursue sustainable and human-centered urban development."
- Eng. Badr Al-Qahtani, Architect, Project Manager, Riyadh Amanah
This first training marks the beginning of a three-part journey. Together with UNDP Technical Assistance Riyadh Amanah (TARA) and Riyadh Amanah, IHS looks forward to enhancing capacities of the city’s local government staff towards building a sustainable future for the region.
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- More information
The course was coordinated by Charmae Pyl Wissink-Nercua and Carolina Lunetta, and delivered by a team of IHS experts including Dr David Dodman, Elena Marie Enseñado and Dr Pamela Durán-Díaz and Kristine Abbie Arcena.
