City leaders and urban officials from across the Arab region convened at the Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors’ Forum in Dubai to strategize cooperation on infrastructure, sustainability, and urban employment. The gathering marked a significant step toward regional collaboration in shaping the future of rapidly growing Arab cities.
Ismail Kamal, governor of Aswan in Egypt, joined more than 30 city delegations alongside UAE municipal leaders, emphasizing the shared vision of building smart, resilient urban centers. The summit, hosted at Expo City Dubai, highlighted cross-border efforts to exchange expertise in digital infrastructure, climate adaptation, and inclusive urban planning.
Currently, about 60% of the Arab region’s population reside in cities—a figure projected to rise to 70% by 2050, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated urban development strategies. Participants discussed how to address the challenges and opportunities posed by this urbanization surge, including job creation, transportation networks, and sustainability initiatives.
For professionals aged 28 to 40 in the GCC, the summit signals major upcoming shifts in city planning and smart infrastructure development. Preparing for these changes offers career and lifestyle advantages, as the region moves toward future-ready neighborhoods designed for innovation, resilience, and enhanced quality of life.
