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Mayors and city leaders from more than 30 cities across the Arab world gathered at Expo City Dubai for an executive dinner aimed at building a collective vision for sustainable and inclusive urban growth. The meeting followed the opening ceremony of the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum at Dubai’s Al Wasl Plaza, bringing together leading figures from across the region to discuss how Arab cities can cooperate to meet future challenges.
The event was attended by UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, and Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar. City leaders from key Arab hubs — including Riyadh, Dubai, and Casablanca — underlined their shared responsibility to tackle regional priorities such as water resilience, rapid population growth, and youth employment through collaboration and policy innovation.
The meeting took place as the Arab world experiences one of the highest urbanisation rates globally. According to U.N.-Habitat, nearly two-thirds of the Arab population — around 65 percent — is expected to live in cities by 2030. This projection highlights the urgency for governments and municipalities to coordinate on infrastructure, resilience planning, and inclusive economic growth.
Strengthening regional partnerships through shared heritage
Participants reaffirmed that joint Arab cooperation, rooted in shared cultural and historical ties, remains a cornerstone of the UAE’s regional strategy. The discussions emphasised advancing policies and partnerships capable of attracting greater investment in infrastructure and sustainable urban projects.
The session represented a shift in tone — moving away from unilateral strategies toward collective problem-solving. Delegates recognised that every Arab city, regardless of its level of development, contributes unique perspectives to regional progress. The gathering fostered an environment of mutual learning, with leaders exchanging practical insights on sustainability, governance, and innovation.
The Global Cities Summit — held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai — provided a broader platform for Arab leaders to engage with peers worldwide. By sharing expertise and best practices, Arab cities aim to strengthen their voice within the global urban landscape and demonstrate leadership in shaping sustainable futures.
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