Key Saudi event at UN set to showcase Riyadh’s importance

JEDDAH: A unique four-day event will showcase the Saudi capital as a global, multicultural and international hub for business as well as a heritage center situated at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa.

Called “A Day in Riyadh” and organized by Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA), the event begins at the UN headquarters in New York today (Monday).

THE EXPRESS PURPOSE OF THE EVENT IS TO ELIMINATE THE MANY MISCONCEPTIONS THAT AMERICANS AND THE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA HAVE OF SAUDI ARABIA.

Two floors at the iconic UN headquarters building have been reserved for the interactive exhibition, workshops and majlis — all of which are part of the event.

In his welcoming remarks on the website dedicated to the event, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar said Riyadh was the starting point for the late King Abdul Aziz’s journey to unify much of the Arabian Peninsula, and lead it toward tremendous growth.

“This is how Riyadh became the capital city of a modern nation, and the witness to a new era,” he said on www.adayinriyadh.com.

“An era in which the Kingdom not only established a new government structure, but underwent massive growth. Today, the Kingdom continues to progress — thanks to Almighty Allah — and is achieving great development and growth in many sectors.”

He pointed out that for six decades prior to becoming Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman was governor of Riyadh and led the city on a developmental journey.