"We are fortunate to be in Riyadh." With this statement, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh Region, opened his remarks during a panel discussion at the Leaders Diwan space, part of the Misk Global Forum 2024. He emphasized that Riyadh is undergoing an extraordinary transformation—where mega-projects are redefining its landscape, opportunities are being created, and ambition is driving the city to rank among the greatest in the world.
Projects That Redefine the City
Speaking at the Misk Global Forum, His Highness discussed Riyadh’s development and the opportunities emerging within it. He explained that cities typically go through three stages: successful cities that have reached a steady state, stagnant cities with no significant movement, and cities on an upward trajectory of growth and progress. Today, Riyadh is in the most crucial phase—the phase of ascent and development—where rapid progress is shaping a lasting impact for future generations.
"In Riyadh today, we are witnessing remarkable movement on all levels," he stated.
The transformation in Riyadh is not merely about urban expansion or infrastructure enhancement; it is about redefining the city’s identity. Each project serves as a fundamental driver of change, steering the city toward a new vision that strengthens its economic, social, and cultural fabric.
Every initiative underway in Riyadh today is historic in its scale, impact, and ambition. Consider Diriyah, for example—a project that reinforces the city’s architectural heritage while significantly influencing tourism, entertainment, and the economy.
"If these projects were launched in other cities, each one would be considered a historic milestone. Imagine all of these projects happening in a single city, at the same time."
Attracting Global Talent
The competition for talent has become a global race. Unlike in the past, career opportunities are no longer confined to specific cities. With advancements in technology, transportation, and communication, skilled professionals can easily move to global capitals like London and Tokyo. This shift makes talent attraction and retention a key challenge for cities aspiring to lead and grow.
To address this, Riyadh is not only investing in large-scale projects but also creating a thriving environment for talent through programs such as Talent Attraction. Directly overseen by leadership, this initiative aims to bring top professionals across various fields to the city.
His Highness highlighted that a competitive job opportunity alone is not enough to attract top talent. Factors such as quality education for their children, entertainment options, robust infrastructure, and a sense of security all play a crucial role.
Successful cities today go beyond providing jobs—they build holistic ecosystems that nurture and retain talent.
How Can I Contribute to Riyadh’s Development?
The answer is simple yet profound: First, success is a matter of opportunity and preparation. His Highness stressed that good fortune plays a role, but so does education, diverse professional experiences, and recognizing that everyone has a unique timeline. Viewing life as a logical progression rather than a random sequence of events is essential.
Additionally, life experiences offer invaluable lessons that formal education may not provide. These are known as soft skills—essential competencies learned through real-world interactions rather than traditional schooling.
Institutional Work: Principles of Leadership and Success
His Highness also outlined key principles that ensure the success and sustainability of organizations, highlighting the balance between strategic objectives and investment in strong teams.
A true challenge in leadership is maintaining a balance between long-term ambitions and immediate achievements. The key lies in breaking down major plans into smaller, actionable goals. This approach enhances accountability, provides clarity to teams, and demonstrates measurable progress.
Institutional culture is not measured by isolated actions but by the sum of daily decisions—big and small—that shape an organization's identity. From everyday interactions among team members to large-scale strategic decisions, the culture of an institution reflects its values and defines its success.
Leaders should not focus solely on delivering results; they must also establish frameworks and methodologies that ensure long-term sustainability. True success is not just about achieving milestones—it is about embedding accomplishments within a lasting institutional framework.
His Highness believes that a successful leader surrounds themselves with a team that complements their expertise. No individual can master all aspects of a project—whether in sustainability, investment, planning, design, finance, or operations. Selecting specialized professionals, giving them space to innovate, and maintaining a structured work environment are essential to executing projects efficiently and effectively.
Time Management: A Key to Success
His Highness emphasized three fundamental principles for managing time effectively:
He concluded by reaffirming that Riyadh is at a historic moment, where transformative opportunities are emerging—opportunities that may never come again.
"We are fortunate to be in this city, under this leadership. Our responsibility today is to seize these opportunities—this is our moment, and we are capable."
