Experts stressed on the need to align national plans, simplify regulations, and enhance collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to ensure efficient spending and sustainable development at the Global Infrastructure Forum in Riyadh, which opened on Monday.

 

Participants in a panel discussion titled "Integrated Infrastructure Planning: Streamlining Regulations and Strengthening Cross-Sector Collaboration" emphasised that cross-sector integration is essential to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, noting that simplifying regulations accelerates project implementation and encourages private sector involvement, said a Saudi Press Agency report. 

 

They also highlighted that early coordination reduces duplication, enhances resource efficiency, and that global best practices can help inform local governance.

 

The speakers stressed that collaboration with international institutions fosters the adoption of best practices, while flexible policies support innovation in infrastructure. They concluded that integrated planning is essential to ensuring project quality and delivering efficient infrastructure services, thereby enhancing user satisfaction and reinforcing the Kingdom's status as a hub for modern development.

 

Meanwhile, more than 7,000 visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom took part in the Global Infrastructure Forum and Expo 2025 on the opening day of the event.

 

The event, which continues until Wednesday, was inaugurated on Monday by Riyadh Region Mayor and Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center (RIPC) Board Chairman Prince Dr Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

 

The forum witnessed the inauguration of the Projects and Events Support Office, established to promote integrated coordination among entities, enhance alignment to prevent project overlaps, improve quality of life, and contribute to more efficient spending, thereby supporting sustainable urban development in Riyadh.

 

With the participation of prominent leaders in the infrastructure sector and local and international experts, the forum addresses specialised topics over its course, including the national infrastructure vision, integrated planning, innovative financing, and advanced technologies for sustainable infrastructure.