Moscow Presents Innovative Projects at Riyadh Exhibition
Moscow took part in CityScape Global 2025, the large‑scale international architecture and real estate exhibition held in Riyadh from November 17 to 20. The Russian capital’s exposition was organized by the Department for External Economic and International Relations.
CityScape Global 2025 brought together government representatives, leading developers, architects, designers, and investors from around the world. Participants exchanged experience and discussed the latest trends in architecture, urban studies, and urban planning policy. The exhibition helped strengthen international business ties.
The Moscow stand proved highly popular with exhibitors and visitors alike. The multimedia exposition presented the city as a dynamically developing metropolis offering substantial opportunities for investment and international real estate projects. Visitors to the stand learned about cutting‑edge projects that the capital is implementing in residential and commercial real estate. Moscow companies used networking programs and an AI‑powered application to find new partners. Participation in the exhibition enabled Moscow businesses to gain deeper insight into new markets and expand the international presence of Moscow‑based services.
Sergey Cheremin, Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, took an active part in CityScape Global 2025. The Minister toured the stands of key exhibitors and held meetings with international partners. During the Moscow delegation’s visit to Riyadh, talks were held with the leadership of the Riyadh Provincial Municipality and representatives of relevant Saudi Arabian ministries.
The Head of DVMIS met with Majid bin Abdullah Al‑Hogail, Minister of Municipalities and Housing of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Cheremin emphasized that Moscow is open to mutually beneficial cooperation and exchange of experience in housing construction, integrated territorial development, IT and Smart City technologies, and transport infrastructure. Minister Al‑Hogail noted that Saudi Arabia is particularly interested in studying Moscow’s experience in building sports and infrastructure facilities, as the country is preparing to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations invited ministry experts to visit Moscow to explore the capital’s projects in urban planning, development, and territorial development.
Sergey Cheremin also held talks with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh. The Saudi side expressed interest in the Digital Twin – a unique project implemented by the Government of Moscow. This is a precise 3D virtual replica of the capital’s territory, layered with more than 6,000 data layers covering all areas of urban life. The Digital Twin assists in managerial decision‑making at various levels and serves as an effective tool for planning the capital’s development. Saudi Arabia is also interested in Moscow’s IT solutions for e‑schools, healthcare, park development, and traffic management. The country, and Riyadh in particular, is actively expanding its metro system, making Moscow’s expertise in metro construction and engineering highly relevant.
The meeting also focused on tourism cooperation. The parties discussed ways to maintain positive momentum in this area. Tourist flows from Saudi Arabia to Moscow are growing rapidly: in the first half of 2025, the number of Saudi visitors to the Russian capital increased 1.3‑fold compared to the same period in 2024.
The Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations invited the Mayor of Riyadh to visit Moscow to discuss comprehensive cooperation and sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the two capitals. The sides also explored the possibility of organizing joint events in Moscow and Riyadh in 2026 to mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Saudi Arabia.
The Russian capital participated in CityScape Global 2025 for the second time. Its presence at the event strengthened Moscow’s position as a leader in digitalization and sustainable urban development. Moscow companies showcased advanced architectural and urban solutions to their international colleagues, negotiated with potential partners, and identified measures to further develop cooperation between Moscow and Saudi Arabia, including its capital Riyadh.