A Warm Welcome: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hosts Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Al-Ula

2025: A Year of Implementation

As the clock struck the beginning of 2025, both nations entered a year of implementation, marked by the execution of various agreements discussed during the initial meeting in Al-Ula. This period was crucial for turning the vision into a tangible reality, with each side focusing on delivering on its commitments.

Launch of the Italian-Saudi Business Forum

One of the first significant milestones of the year was the inaugural meeting of the Italian-Saudi Business Forum, a platform created to enhance economic cooperation. Held in Riyadh, this event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from both sides to discuss opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and infrastructure.

Signing of Major Agreements

During the forum, several significant agreements were signed, marking a substantial step forward in bilateral trade and investment. Notable among these was a deal between two major Italian and Saudi companies to develop a massive solar energy project in Saudi Arabia, capable of powering tens of thousands of homes. Also signed was an agreement between an Italian engineering group and a Saudi conglomerate to cooperate on the development of smart cities in both countries.

Cultural Heritage Preservation

The year 2025 also saw a major focus on preserving cultural heritage and historical sites in Saudi Arabia and Italy. A collaboration between Italian and Saudi cultural institutions resulted in the establishment of a joint committee to conserve and restore ancient sites in both nations. This initiative, dubbed “Heritage Connect,” aimed to promote cross-cultural understanding and exchange between the two nations.

Education and Research

Bilateral educational exchanges continued to thrive, with several student scholarships and faculty exchange programs launched. Italian and Saudi universities collaborated on joint research initiatives, focusing on areas such as renewable energy, water management, and cultural heritage preservation. One notable outcome of these collaborations was the establishment of a joint Italian-Saudi Centre for Sustainable Energy in Riyadh, designed to accelerate innovation and deployment of renewable energy technologies.

Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Tourism between Italy and Saudi Arabia experienced a significant boost as cultural exchange programs were launched. A series of art exhibitions, concerts, and festivals were organized to showcase the artistic heritage of both nations. Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice welcomed Saudi artists, musicians, and writers, while Saudi Arabia opened its doors to Italian performers and artists.

Progress Towards Sustainability Goals

The focus on sustainability led to notable strides in both nations. Italian businesses, with their expertise in green technologies, worked on projects to implement solar and wind energy in Saudi Arabia, reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, shared its expertise in sustainable urban planning with Italian cities, helping to transform urban landscapes in Italy into more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly ones.

Future Outlook

As the year 2025 drew to a close, the partnership between Italy and Saudi Arabia stood out as a beacon of successful international collaboration. The year was marked by tangible progress in various sectors, a testament to the strong foundation laid during the initial meeting. Looking ahead, both nations expressed optimism for a future filled with promise, where cooperation and mutual respect continued to grow.

Prime Minister Meloni, in a message to the people of Italy, reflected on the year’s accomplishments, “Our partnership with Saudi Arabia has shown the way. We’ve demonstrated what can be achieved when nations come together with a shared vision. 2026 will be an even more exciting year, as we work towards even more ambitious goals and celebrate the deepening ties between our peoples.”

Similarly, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman looked forward to the future with confidence, “Our meeting in Al-Ula marked the beginning of something extraordinary. The progress we’ve made in 2025 only reinforces my belief in the strength of our partnership. Together, we will continue to forge a brighter future, driven by innovation, cooperation, and respect for our shared humanity.”