DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -
More than 30 mayors and city leaders from across the Arab world gathered at Expo City Dubai for a high-level executive dinner aimed at fostering regional collaboration and shaping a shared vision for a sustainable and resilient Arab urban future.
The exclusive gathering followed the opening of the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum at the iconic Al Wasl Plaza and was attended by senior UAE officials, including Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority; Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State; and His Excellency Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, UAE Minister of State.
During the meeting, city leaders discussed key urban priorities such as water resilience, rapid urbanisation, climate adaptation, infrastructure development, and youth employability. The focus was on building regional cooperation through shared innovation, knowledge exchange, and public-private partnerships to drive sustainable growth.
Representatives from major Arab cities — including Riyadh, Dubai, and Casablanca — participated in the discussion, which highlighted the critical role of cities in steering the region’s future development. With the Arab world’s urban population projected by UN-Habitat to reach 65% by 2030, leaders emphasised the urgency of coordinated planning to ensure livable, inclusive, and economically dynamic cities.
The UAE continues to champion joint Arab cooperation as part of its broader strategy to deepen regional alliances and economic integration. The session reaffirmed the collective commitment of Arab cities to work together on policy development, investment frameworks, and urban innovation that will enhance resilience and strengthen cross-border collaboration.
Moving away from traditional, unilateral approaches, the discussion encouraged collective problem-solving and mutual learning, recognising that each city — regardless of its scale or development phase — brings unique experiences and solutions to the table.
The Summit serves as a global platform for Arab cities to engage with international peers, exchange best practices, and reinforce their growing influence in shaping the future of sustainable urban living.
The participating mayors and delegates are in Dubai for the three-day Global Cities Summit, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
