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Month: April 2025

Carlos Alcaraz claims Monte-Carlo Masters glory as Arneodo makes history for Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
15/04/2025

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene were in the stands, cheering on the finalists at the Rolex Monte-Carlos Masters, where Carlos Alcarez defeated Lorenzo Musetti. Later that day, the Prince was on hand for a momentous conclusion to the event, as Franco-Monegasque doubles team Manuel Guinard and Romain Arneodo won the day, making Arneodo the first Monegasque to win the tournament on his home turf. 

The 118th edition of the Rolex Monte-Carlos Masters tennis tournament delivered both a thrilling singles showdown and an historic triumph in the men’s doubles, where Romain Arneodo became the first Monegasque player ever to win a title at the prestigious event.

The day started with Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz taking centre stage in the singles final, battling back from a set down to defeat Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti 3-6, 6-1, 6-0. 

The world number two captured his sixth ATP Masters 1000 title, and his first on the iconic clay courts of Monaco, in a match marked by Musetti’s third-set struggles with a leg injury. 

Prince Albert II congratulates Romain Arneodo on his win, alongside Princess Charlene. Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

Alcaraz’s victory came after a turbulent few weeks, making the win all the more meaningful for the 21-year-old. “This is the second time that I played this tournament. I came with no wins here, and I feel great, I just felt great. Every time I stepped onto the court, every practice, the support here has been immense,” he said in his speech after the big win. 

Meanwhile, Arneodo, partnering with France’s Manuel Guinard, delivered a thrilling comeback in the doubles final, sealing their place in Monegasque sports history. Local fans, including Prince Albert, had reason to celebrate as the duo completed a dream run by overcoming Britain’s Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash in a dramatic final winning 1-6, 7-6 (8), 10-8. The pair saved two match points before clinching victory in 88 minutes.

“I don’t know what happened. I’m just so emotional now, it’s crazy. It’s a dream,” Arneodo said as reported on the ATP Tour’s website. “I couldn’t believe it was true in ’23, we reached the final. We had two match points, I still dream about that for the last two years. I was so disappointed the last two years to not win this tournament. And now, to achieve this tournament, for me, [what I have done in] tennis is enough. Now I won the tournament, my tennis career, I reached my dream goal.”

With the Princely Couple watching from their perch and fans in the stands on their feet, the 2025 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters concluded with international excitement and a new hometown hero, a fitting finale for one of tennis’s most iconic spring event.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo by Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

 

Inside the Monaco Pavilion at Osaka World Expo 2025 

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
15/04/2025

The 2025 World Exposition officially opened its doors on Sunday April 13th in Osaka, Japan, with Monaco’s Pavilion already emerging as one of the most celebrated attractions during preview days. Despite heavy rain, enthusiastic visitors flooded the site early in the day, many heading straight for the Ring – the massive structure encircling the pavilions of 160 participating countries.

Located at position C10-01 in the ‘Connecting Lives’ zone, Monaco’s installation quickly became one of the most visited sites of the day. At peak times, two long queues formed outside the Pavilion, with the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer wine tasting salon overwhelmed by visitor demand. In total, more than 150,000 visitors came to discover Expo 2025 Osaka on its opening day.

The Monaco Pavilion, designed under the theme ‘Take Care of Wonder’, invites visitors on an immersive journey showcasing both the globally recognised image of the Principality and its commitments to sustainability. The pavilion ends with a cathedral-like space with animated screen walls that take visitors on a journey to the depths of the ocean.

Photo Credit: Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali   

Japanese Emperor Naruhito inaugurated the Expo on Sunday, expressing his hope for that the event “will offer the peoples of the world the opportunity to respect not only their own lives but also the existence of others,’’ according to Monaco Matin. Organisers have already sold 8.7 million tickets in advance and aim to welcome 28 million visitors over the six-month duration of the Expo, which will run until 13th October.

At the heart of this international showcase is a human adventure for 13 young Monaco residents aged 21 to 25. All hired to bring the Monaco Pavilion to life and welcome visitors from around the world to the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay, they represent the future generation of Monaco’s ambassadors. These young representatives—including William, Charlotte, Téo, Elijah and Naomi—all applied in 2023 with a dream of participating in a unique adventure at the centre of a global event. 

Pavilion’s architecture 

The pavilion’s architects, Jérôme Hein (The A Group) and Nicolas Fedoroff (Atelier Pierre), designed the space to make the exterior as relevant as the interior. They developed a garden blending Japanese style with Mediterranean plants, specifically olive trees. As a guiding thread, they chose the rose, echoing the Princess Grace Rose Garden, with the flower and its curves marking the visitor’s path through the exhibition.

For those unable to make the journey to Japan, the Monaco Pavilion team has developed a QR code that allows for free interactive and immerse virtual tour of the pavilion from any screen. 

Among the highlights of the 2025 World Expo are a Martian meteorite, 32 Hello Kitty sculptures disguised as algae, and a tiny beating heart cultivated from stem cells being presented for the first time.

While some might question the environmental impact of building temporary structures for such global gatherings, the expo organisers have indicated that the site will be repurposed after the event to house a hotel complex with a casino. 

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo Credit: Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali (Monaco Info)

 

Nice embarks on Olympic journey with major construction projects for 2030 Winter Games

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
15/04/2025

The city of Nice is set to undergo a major transformation as it prepares to host key events at the 2030 Winter Olympics, which will be held across a number of venues in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions. With ambitious construction projects already in motion, Nice will redefine its sporting landscape, creating opportunities for significant economic and social development throughout the region.

In a recent municipal meeting in March, city officials unveiled their plans for major infrastructure developments meant to serve both Olympic competitions and the city’s residents by establishing new facilities.

The council has approved a crucial agreement with SOLIDEO Alpes 2030, the Olympic Venue Delivery Company, for the construction of a new ice rink that will host a number of events during the 2030 Winter Olympics.

See more: 2030 Winter Olympics coming to the French Alps

“This new rink will not only benefit our athletes but also provide a space for the community,” said Pascal Condomitti, Deputy Mayor for Sports in Nice and Vice-President of the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur.

Another cornerstone of the event preparations is the Olympic village. The council has also authorised the sale of municipal land along Avenue Sainte-Marguerite and Boulevard des Jardiniers for the development of the Olympic Village, which will house athletes and officials during the Games and will later be converted into mixed-use housing – though not without controversy.

During the municipal discussions, Jean-Christophe Picard, a municipal councillor and member of the Les Écologistes party, expressed concern about social housing allocations, saying, “We must ensure that our community’s needs are not overshadowed by grand projects.”

The design of the Olympic Village will focus on sustainability, with green spaces and amenities that will benefit residents post-Games as well. The project aims to create a vibrant neighbourhood, fostering community spirit.

Transportation overhaul underway

Perhaps the biggest impact on local businesses involves the National Interest Market (MIN), where “fruit and vegetable wholesalers will have to settle in demountable buildings by the first half of 2026”, according to recent reports. This relocation is necessary for the construction of the Nice Airport TGV station, which Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur officials say “will be operational for the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”

According to Nice Matin, SNCF subsidiary Gares et Connexions has justified this disruptive change, stating, “We need part of this land to build part of the parking lot for the future Nice Airport station.”

Nevertheless, the station will represent a significant upgrade to regional connectivity.

See more: Nice to spend €35 million on short-life building for UN Ocean Conference 2025

Economic projections and community impact

The economic impact of hosting Olympic events is set to be substantial, with estimates suggesting approximately 7,500 jobs will be created and around €400 million in added value to the local economy.

Read more: Nice set to host The Ocean Race Europe for the first time this summer

“The Olympics present a unique opportunity for economic growth and visibility for Nice,” remarked Condomitti during the municipal discussions. According to him, the benefits extend beyond the Games themselves, with increased tourism and investment expected to continue for years.

Anthony Borre, First Deputy Mayor of Nice, highlighted Nice’s readiness, saying, “Nice has organised and welcomed major events, showcasing its capacity to innovate sustainably.”

This experience with international events, demonstrated this June with the arrival of the United Nations Ocean Conference, was a key factor in the city’s selection as an Olympic venue, alongside existing facilities like the Allianz Riviera.

Balancing Olympic ambitions with local priorities

While enthusiasm for the Olympics remains strong among officials, some council members have expressed concerns regarding resource allocation.

Picard noted, “We cannot ignore the pressing need for social housing while pursuing these grand ambitions.”

See more: Louis-II Stadium set to undergo three-year renovation

Meanwhile, Richard Chemla, Third Deputy Mayor of Nice in charge of Health and Ecology, also shed light on environmental commitments.

“Our goal is to create a legacy that benefits both the Olympics and our environment,” he said, pointing to the sustainability initiatives that permeate Nice’s Olympic preparations, such as the use of eco-friendly construction materials, energy-efficient designs and waste reduction strategies.

Financial transparency has emerged as another focal point, with Picard stating, “We need to ensure that the financial burden on taxpayers is minimised while maximising the benefits of hosting the Olympics.”

As Nice embarks on this Olympic journey, Borre highlighted the importance of community engagement.

“By collaborating with neighbouring cities, we can provide our young people with diverse sporting opportunities,” he concluded, expressing the cooperative spirit that he hopes will ensure the 2030 Winter Olympics leaves a positive impact in Nice and the surrounding region.

Read related:

Monaco officially crowned 2025 World Capital of Sport at palace ceremony

 

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo source: Office de Tourisme de Nice

WAIB Summit to bring Web3 and AI leaders to Monaco this June

by: Niki Borisova
15/04/2025

Monaco is set to host Europe’s largest Web3 and AI gathering this June, with a two-day summit that hopes to draw global tech giants, investors and innovators together at One Monte-Carlo.

Scheduled for 27th and 28th June, the WAIB Summit will focus on the latest developments in blockchain, artificial intelligence and decentralised technologies, with participation from major global firms and high-profile figures in the tech and investment sectors.

Day 1 of the summit will be dedicated entirely to artificial intelligence. Panels and keynote addresses from companies including Microsoft and AWS will focus on the real-world impact of AI across industries, while several Web3–AI hybrid projects, such as Eliza Systems, Nosana, Matchain and ChainGPT, will also be featured. Unitree Robotics is scheduled to present the G1 robot, a humanoid designed for agile mobility, real-time AI interaction and autonomous performance, positioning it as a consumer-facing robot for advanced automation.

Running alongside the AI programme on both days is NFT FEST, a community-led Web3 event that held its first edition in Brussels in 2024. This year’s edition in Monaco will focus on NFT art, gaming and real-world assets (RWAs), with participation from ApeCoin, Rarible, Magic Eden, SeedPhoto, StepN and the BAYC EU communities. An NFT and digital art exhibition will take place throughout the venue, featuring luxury product activations and displays by leading digital artists and brands.

On 28th June, the second day of the summit will shift to the world of Bitcoin with the Ordinals Monaco conference. Organised in partnership with the Stacks Foundation, it will feature sessions on Bitcoin mining, institutional adoption, financial sovereignty and the expanding Ordinals ecosystem, which includes Bitcoin-native apps, NFT inscriptions and smart contracts.

The WAIB Summit Awards will also be presented during an invite-only VIP evening event, held in partnership with OpenCampus. The awards aim to recognise impactful projects and individuals in the fields of Web3, AI, gaming and decentralised finance.

All three events — WAIB Summit, NFT FEST and Ordinals Monaco — are accessible with one ticket. Monaco Life will be attending the summit — stay tuned for insights and coverage throughout the event.

More information, including ticket registration, is available here.

Read related:

Local Entreparents group to host conference on screen use and digital dependency among minors

 

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo credit: Markus Spiske, Pexels

Monaco tightens rules on recreational fishing with new annual declaration requirement

by: Cassandra Tanti
15/04/2025

In response to a rise in illegal recreational fishing in the Principality, the government has introduced a mandatory annual declaration for anyone wishing to fish in Monaco’s territorial waters.

To better regulate and protect the marine environment, a new rule now requires all individuals who engage in recreational line fishing in Monaco to submit an Annual Line Fishing Declaration. This measure has been put in place following a surge in unauthorised fishing activity locally, particularly from the shore, and is intended to support responsible fishing practices in the Principality.

The declaration must be submitted to the Department of Maritime Affairs either in person, by post, or electronically in accordance with Article O.244-8 of Monaco’s Maritime Code. It applies to both residents and visitors of all ages, including minors, who intend to fish in authorised zones along the coast.

There are several ways to obtain the form. It can be downloaded via the Prince’s Government website in the ‘Public Services for Individuals’ section, requested by email via marine@gouv.mc, or collected directly from the Department of Maritime Affairs at 20 Quai de l’Hirondelle, Monaco. The offices are open to the public from 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Once submitted, the declaration is valid for one year. It provides authorities with an overview of fishing activity and ensures that all participants are aware of the rules. Upon registering, individuals will receive a map outlining the permitted fishing zones as well as a Code of Good Conduct detailing responsible recreational fishing practices from the shoreline.

For further information, the Department of Maritime Affairs can be reached at +377 98 98 22 80.

Read related:

L’Abysse, Marlow and other Monaco restaurants join Mr Goodfish’s sustainable seafood charter

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo credit: Gaspar Zaldo, Pexels

Art takes center stage in Monaco with ACT VI, VII and VIII at Espace 22

by: Cassandra Tanti
15/04/2025

Art Collect Store returns to Espace 22 this spring with an ambitious three-part exhibition series, ACT VI, ACT VII and ACT VIII, showcasing a diverse and evolving line-up of contemporary artists from across Europe and beyond. The trilogy promises to energise Monaco’s cultural calendar with weekly artistic discoveries and dynamic vernissages.

Art Collect Store, a familiar name on Monaco’s contemporary art scene, is marking the culmination of its successful ACT exhibition series with a final trilogy hosted at the central Espace 22. From 28th April through to 28th May, the space will transform into a rotating gallery of emerging and established talents, each bringing a unique perspective to the principality.

Across the three exhibitions, a curated roster of around 20 artists will be featured, hailing from countries including France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Monaco, Ukraine, and the island of Saint Martin. Among the artists announced are Dominique Cahier, No#Ar, Philippe Lonzi, Elena Papernaya, Cati Burnot, Nouna, Corinne Canta, Marc Noel, Steffi Rodigas, Jacques Corda, Boris Rachkovskiy, Céline Delanoe, Fred Ballin, Pierre Bayet, Olga Volga, Leonid Tomilin, and Christian and Loélia Lange.

Each ACT will be inaugurated with a vernissage, held respectively on 30th April, 12th May, and 19th May. These evenings are expected to draw art lovers, collectors and members of the press, offering a lively platform for creative exchange in the presence of the artists themselves. The relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere will be a celebration of artistic expression and community engagement.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.   

Photo by Monaco Life