Hungary embassy hosted an event dedicated to “Smart Cities & Creative Solutions”
An inspiring event dedicated primarily to Smart Cities and Creative Solutions was recently organized by the Riyadh-based embassy of Hungary with the help and participation of the Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Saudi-Hungarian Business Council. The event was organized within the framework of the NEXT-KPI program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary and the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency to foster collaboration.
Attila Tar, newly arrived ambassador of Hungary to Saudi Arabia, gave an opening speech for the participants. Ambassador Tar said: “It is with great pleasure that I open tonight’s event, organized by the Embassy of Hungary in Riyadh in the framework of the NEXT-KPI program. We hope that you will find this evening of networking useful, which is aimed at enhancing cooperation and trade between Hungary and Saudi Arabia in the sector of creative industries and smart cities.”
The diplomat further said that “Hungary has long been a pioneer in aesthetics and innovation, blending deep cultural heritage with forward-looking creativity.” “From groundbreaking urban designs to thermal bath engineering, the country has left its mark on European architecture,” said Tar, while referring to the leading Hungarian companies, their ambitions concerning the Saudi market, and the progressively growing relations between the two countries.
This premier road show with a focus on smart cities and solutions was organized within the framework of the NEXT-KPI program, which is a Hungarian initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to promote Hungarian companies abroad and foster international economic cooperation. It supports activities like joint trade fair stands, business delegations, and roadshows to increase the visibility of Hungarian products and services, connect businesses with international partners, and facilitate market entry in sectors such as technology, food, agriculture, and smart mobility.
Local stakeholders from across Saudi Arabia had the opportunity to connect with Tamal Art, Viaplant, Aluinvent Ltd., NEOX Smart Solutions, GeoLink3D Ltd., and Peterp Ltd. Hungarian companies that showcased their latest products and technologies in several forward-looking sectors. The event was graced by the presence of Marwan Al Mutlaq, chairman of the Saudi side of the Saudi-Hungarian Business Council, and Hashem Al-Zahrani, responsible for the region in the Federation of Saudi Chambers.
The event highlighted yet again the Chamber’s crucial role in strengthening business cooperation between the Kingdom and Hungary. During the visit, the Hungarian delegation also had the opportunity to meet with ROSHN, the Saudi Ministry of Investment, and Dar wa Emaar, engaging in insightful discussions on sustainable urban development and creative industry opportunities. After the program in Riyadh, the delegation headed to Doha to continue their roadshow.
Hungary, a close ally of the Kingdom, is among the leading innovation ecosystems that develop Smart City infrastructure, having invested great amounts in recent decades in Smart City infrastructure. Hungarian companies offer pioneering and innovative solutions that meet the technical, environmental, and social challenges in developing E-Mobility in a Smart City environment. There are some innovative Hungarian Smart City solutions that could be the beginning of a new era in Smart Mobility and Smart Management of urban traffic, as well.
Saudi Arabia and Hungary have forged closer ties in several sectors. Hungary established diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in 1995, and since 1996, a resident ambassador has represented Hungary’s interests in the country. Saudi Arabia is one of Hungary’s most essential partners in the Middle East region. The two countries share common perspectives on key issues such as bilateral trade and investment, addressing the root causes of migration, combating human trafficking, and opposing religious extremism and terrorism.
