When Riyadh Amanah staff touched down in the Netherlands last August, they stepped into one of Europe’s most forward-looking urban laboratories. Over the following three months, through three executive courses delivered by the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)- Erasmus University, Rotterdam and major Netherlands cities would become their classroom, their case studies and their source of versified perspectives. 

These trainings form part of the interventions of the Capacity Development Pillar of the UNDP Technical Assistance to Riyadh Amanah (TARA) Programme — one of four interconnected areas through which UNDP supports the Riyadh Regional Municipality (RRM) in strengthening institutional performance and advancing the Riyadh Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. 

Each course combined structured learning at the IHS campus with field visits, expert discussions, and hands-on observations. Whether walking through green infrastructure projects, meeting municipal officers in The Hague, or exploring digital systems in Amsterdam, participants were encouraged to question, compare, and imagine how similar approaches could be adapted for Riyadh. 

What unfolded was not simply a capacity - building exercise, but a genuine exchange of ideas between cities—how they grow, adapt, and innovate. 

Executive Course on Building Sustainable Cities: Integrating Urban Development with Smart and Green City Solutions 

25–29 August 2025 

The first course invited participants to imagine Riyadh’s future through the lens of sustainability, they explored the Green City Concept, affordable housing, climate-responsive design, circular economy principles,  smart and sustainable, and nature-based solutions 

The learning moved quickly from theory to practice. During a tour across Rotterdam, participants visited water plazas, green roofs, and climate-adaptive public spaces—each project demonstrating how cities can respond to environmental pressures while improving daily life. 

A visit to BlueCity, a circular economy hub, offered a powerful example of how abandoned spaces can be transformed into innovation centers. In Amsterdam, the floating homes of Schoonschip and the regeneration of Buiksloterham highlighted how cities can embrace new housing models, clean energy, and community-led development.ciites  

By the end of the week, participants used the IHS Climate Action Prioritization Tool (CLIMACTPRIO) to identify climate actions potentially transferable to Riyadh. 

Executive Course on Innovative Strategies for Municipal Licensing 

13–17 October 2025 

The second course shifted to the inner workings of municipal governance. Licensing is often invisible to the public, yet it shapes daily life—from business operations to public safety. Through guided sessions, case studies, and field visits participants examined how modern licensing systems improve transparency, streamline processes, and enhance service delivery. 

The field visits made the experience especially meaningful. The Hague shared its licensing workflows and citizen-centered processes. Rotterdam opened its inspection routines to participants, and demonstrating real-time compliance checks. 

The week closed with ideas rooted in global best practices but grounded in local realities. 

Executive Course on Strategic Municipal Event Management 

27–31 October 2025 

The final course responded to Riyadh’s growing profile as a host of festivals, celebrations, sporting events, and cultural gatherings. With the city attracting more visitors each year, municipal teams play a crucial role in its successful implementation. 

Participants examined crowd management, emergency preparedness, stakeholder coordination, and communication frameworks. Sessions were led by Dutch experts, including specialists from major venues and crisis management organizations. 

Field visits offered rich real-world learning. At AHOY Rotterdam, participants toured one of the Netherlands’ largest event venues, gaining insight into backstage operations and venue safety. In The Hague, municipal officers shared how the city plans large-scale public events and manages associated risks. In Amsterdam, participants saw how public spaces are adapted for international events through close partnerships between the public and private sectors while maintaining mobility and safety. 

The week ended with participants reflecting on how fresh perspectives could be adapted to Riyadh’s growing event landscape. 

Strengthening Skills for a Thriving Riyadh 

Across all three courses, one message resonated: strong cities are built through strong institutions and effective partnerships, and strong institutions are built through empowered people. 

Not only participants returned to Riyadh with global examples and fresh perspectives. But equally important, they returned with strengthened network and connections with peers. ready to contribute to a city that is growing more dynamic, ambitious, and people-centered every year. 

Continuing the Journey 

The UNDP TARA Programme will continue developing the capabilities of Riyadh Amanah staff through targeted training and institutional strengthening initiatives. These executive courses mark an important milestone—but they are a start of  a continuing learning journey supported by UNDP.