Saudi Arabia announces launch of first 'non-profit city in the world'

RIYADH: In a one of its kind initiative, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday announcethe launch of the first non-profit city in the world, the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Non-Profit City.

As per a report by the Saudi Press Agency, the city in Riyadh is expected to be a model for the development of the non-profit sector globally and an incubator for youth and volunteer groups as well as local and international non-profit institutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

"This will be the first nonprofit city of its kind, which will contribute to achieving the goals of Misk Foundation in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and qualifying future leaders by defining nonprofit work in its internal operational concept and in terms of opportunities and youth training programs it will provide," the crown prince said.

In addition, the project will provide services that contribute to creating an attractive environment for all beneficiaries of the city's offerings.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Non Profit City will host academies, colleges, 'Misk schools', a conference centre, a science museum, and a creative centre offering a space to support the ambitions of innovators in sciences and new generation technology such as AI, IoT [Internet of Things] and robotics.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Non Profit City aims to create a "vibrant Saudi youth talent system to shape the future of the kingdom and the world, by encouraging learning and developing leadership skills among youth", the Saudi Press Agency said.

The city also aims to be human-centred, with its advanced digital metropolis designed to be sustainable and pedestrian-friendly.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City will be located on land dedicated by the crown prince, in Irqah neighborhood, adjacent to Wadi Hanifa, over an area of about 3.4 square kilometres.

It will allocate more than 44 percent of the total area for green open spaces to promote sustainable development.

Details surrounding development phases and progress of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City will be announced in the coming months.