Prince Faisal bin Salman, Madinah’s governor and chairman of its development authority, on Monday launched the first International Conference on Humanizing Cities at Taibah University. The event, which is organized by the Development Authority of Madinah and ends on May 10, was attended by Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Faisal. Prince Faisal welcomed attendees and said the conference “aims to introduce international ideas and experiences, benefit from researchers’ views, and learn the best practices in the field.” The conference will review projects to develop sites in Madinah, including Qiba Avenue, Sayed Al-Shohadaa district and Tala’a Al-Jabour. It aims to look at modern ways to develop public places, city centers and neighborhoods to improve urban spaces and quality of life. There will be 20 panel discussions, including presentations, case studies and open debates. Participants include 20 international experts in planning and developing cities, public areas and open spaces, and 27 local experts in architecture, design, planning and urban development. Speakers come from 14 countries: Saudi Arabia, the US, Canada, the Netherlands, the UK, Sweden, Germany, Greece, Singapore, Indonesia, Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt and Jordan. The conference will feature senior Saudi and Gulf officials, as well as Saudi mayors. Directors of regional and international organizations will also take part and visit the Development Authority of Madinah to discuss current and future developments in humanizing cities. The development authority seeks to make Madinah a model for the development of modern cities. It coincides with the launch of the Quality of Life 2020 program, which outlines a comprehensive and integrated roadmap to make Saudi cities among the world’s most attractive, and to improve the lifestyle of citizens and residents, as well as infrastructure.