French architects study the Saudi vision for the future
French architects study the Saudi vision for the future,
Leading French architects traveled to Saudi Arabia to learn about the Kingdom’s notable infrastructure projects,
exchange experiences and explore opportunities for participation.
Members of AFEX, a non-profit group representing 120 French companies,
met with senior executives from Saudi mega-projects at a seminar in Riyadh.
They will also tour the city, before traveling to Jeddah and Al-Ula to view projects and learn more about the country’s ambitions.
These events come within the framework of the second Saudi-French strategic partnership to design sustainable cities for tomorrow.
Organized by AFEX in partnership with Business France, a government agency that promotes French companies abroad.
“We are here today to first understand the ambitions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
It is clear that the impact of Vision 2030 will change the kingdom quickly,
but it also has an international impact,” said Reza Amalu, President of AFEX.
Establishing giant projects in the Kingdom
The tour links the architects directly to the leaders of Saudi mega projects from the Ministry of Culture.
The Red Sea Development Project, Qiddiya, NEOM Line, Diriyah Gate Development Authority,
and the newly added boutique group.
“Experience ranges from heritage, culture, health, transportation, tourism and ecotourism,
which is something very broad in terms of expertise and can be something important in partnerships,” Amalu said.
In some projects the utopia will turn into reality, which the whole world sees as an ideal.
But it’s also about pushing the boundaries of development in terms of sustainability,
how we’re moving towards those very big projects and very deep changes in a sustainable way.
Among the participants in the tour are 21 French design and architecture firms,
the largest such delegation to meet in a single country.
Some of them are new to the kingdom, while others have contributed to major projects such as AlUla.
Among the speakers at the Riyadh symposium was Somaya Al-Sulaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Authority,
who highlighted the role of the Ministry of Culture in preserving the Kingdom’s architectural styles in future projects.
“It is important that we have these cultural exchanges and that we have different platforms
where we make sure that people understand where we come from and how we define ourselves,” Al Soliman said.
Mr. Ludovic Pouille, Ambassador of France, concluded the forum by presenting tokens of appreciation to the guests who spoke about the Kingdom’s projects.
French architects are currently working on several Saudi projects, including the Jean Nouvel Charaan Resort.
France’s AFalula is meanwhile working on projects with the Royal Commission for AlUla.
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