CIFAL Saudi Arabia, representing Majmaah University, participated—upon an invitation from the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing—in the Saudi National Pavilion Programme at the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum WUF13, organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme UN-Habitat in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026, under the theme: “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.”
The participation took place as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s presence at the Forum, with the Saudi delegation headed by H.E. Mr. Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipalities and Housing. The high-level national delegation included a number of Royal Highnesses, Excellencies, senior officials, and representatives of government, semi-government, private, and non-profit entities, reflecting the integration of the national ecosystem concerned with urban development, housing, and quality of life.
CIFAL Saudi Arabia’s participation was supported and guided by H.E. Prof. Saleh bin Abdullah AlMezel, Rector of Majmaah University and Chairman of the Board of CIFAL Saudi Arabia, and followed up by H.E. Prof. Musallam bin Mohammed Al-Dosari, Vice Rector of Majmaah University for Development and Investment and Supervisor of CIFAL Saudi Arabia.
Majmaah University was represented at the Forum by Dr. Aiman Albarakati, Director of CIFAL Saudi Arabia. As part of the activities of the Saudi National Pavilion, the Center delivered a knowledge-sharing session entitled: “Closing the Urban Implementation Gap: A Municipal Capacity Model from Saudi Arabia.” The session presented an applied model linking urban policies with implementation mechanisms and municipal capacity development.
CIFAL Saudi Arabia also participated in an international session organized by the CIFAL Global Network, affiliated with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), entitled: “Urban Capacity Lab: CIFAL Global Network Advancing City Action Through Capacity Development.” This participation further strengthens Majmaah University’s presence on international platforms concerned with sustainable development and the future of cities.
