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The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is emerging as a global leader in sustainable urban development, with key nations including the UAE and Saudi Arabia spearheading transformative projects to meet growing urbanization demands. By 2030, 60% of the region’s population is expected to live in urban areas, prompting significant investments in smart city initiatives.
In the UAE, flagship projects such as Masdar City and Zayed International Airport highlight the country’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Masdar City, a hub for clean technologies and sustainable design, has been at the forefront of these efforts for over 15 years. According to Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Sustainable Development at Masdar City, the development focuses on net-zero energy projects and fostering collaboration across industries like AI, renewable energy, and Agri-tech.
Saudi Arabia is advancing its Vision 2030 agenda with large-scale projects, including NEOM, a 26,500-square-kilometer eco-friendly city powered entirely by clean energy and designed to be car-free. The Kingdom has selected 17 cities, representing 72% of its population, to undertake smart urban projects aimed at improving sustainability and enhancing quality of life.
Other MENA countries are also joining the push for smart urban development. Qatar’s Lusail City integrates GSAS-rated buildings, green landscapes, and smart infrastructure, while Oman’s Sultan Haitham City aligns with Oman Vision 2040 through solar energy, waste-to-energy plants, and advanced urban planning for 100,000 residents.
These advancements will be highlighted at the upcoming World Future Energy Summit 2025, set to take place from January 14-16 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event, hosted by Masdar, will feature a dedicated Sustainable Cities conference and exhibition showcasing the region’s progress in smart urban development and its role in addressing global sustainability challenges.
Research by Frost & Sullivan indicates that the UAE and Saudi Arabia alone will invest $50 billion in smart city projects by 2025. Abu Dhabi, recognised among the Top 10 Smart Cities in the 2024 Smart City Index, and Dubai, with its pedestrian-focused Dubai Walk initiative, are key contributors to this growth.
The Sustainable Cities conference will bring together government leaders, urban planners, and technology innovators to explore advancements in energy optimization, waste management, and climate-resilient designs. Specialized panel discussions will cover topics such as AI-driven cognitive buildings and strategies to enhance community resilience.
Speakers include Dr. Ioannis Spanos of Expo City Dubai, Camilo Cerro of the American University of Sharjah, and Dima Al Srouri of Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Committee for Urban Planning. The conference will also feature insights from experts at Siemens Advanta Consulting and Oman’s Ministry of Housing & Urban Planning.
The Sustainable Cities initiative is part of a broader agenda at the World Future Energy Summit, which will address key areas such as solar energy, green finance, and e-mobility. The event underscores the MENA region’s leadership in driving innovative, sustainable urban development on a global scale. |
