Muscat Governorate recognises Arab Cities Day: ‘Flexible and Resilient Cities’
15/03/2025
Muscat Governorate recognized Arab Cities Day on Saturday, 15 March, which marks the anniversary of establishing the Arab Towns Organization in Kuwait in 1967, titled ‘Flexible and Resilient Cities’.
In his speech on this occasion, Secretary General of ATO, Engineer Abdurrahman Hisham Al Asfour stated that the creating more flexible urbanization model to suit the global population growth is even more imperative today. He indicated that the rapid population growth has exceeded the cities` ability to provide appropriate places, and living conditions in many neighborhoods have become similar to poverty, and the coming years will be marked by urban extension to many areas. “However, many of these cities are not ready for this rapid urban expansion that has exceeded the housing development pace,” he added.
Eng. Abdulrahman Hisham Al Asfour pointed to the modern challenges that Arab countries face, which require Arab cities to become flexible and resilient cities resulting from climate change, urban sprawl, health crises, and war damages. As well as, promoting sustainable urban planning and utilizing smart technology.
Muscat is an influential member of the Arab Towns Organization since its joining in 1971. It has enabled it to exchange experiences and knowledge with other member countries in city design, to introduce best practices in urban development and municipal services. Additionally, participating in initiatives to achieve sustainable urban planning.
Muscat Governorate has prioritized strengthening relations with international institutions and partners. These relationships have increased knowledge and practical experience in urban development, exchanging experiences and benefiting from expertise in urban development.
Muscat Governorate has implemented a sustainable urban planning approach in Sultan Haitham City, one of the sustainable smart cities. The city`s infrastructure has been engineered to encourage walking, with all available services within easy reach, accommodating various transport means and airflow around buildings while reducing the maintenance costs. It includes advanced community facilities that are precisely located for easy accessibility.
Muscat Governorate also includes Yeti Sustainable City in Muscat, which involves the construction of 1,657residential units, including 300 eco-villas with high-efficiency designs. The city will rely fully on renewable energy sources to power its facilities, while reducing carbon emissions through electric and autonomous vehicles and offering electric vehicle charging stations. This city is a sustainable urban development that utilises modern technology to achieve ecological and economic sustainability.
The Arab Towns Organization is anon-governmental Arab regional institution, specializing in the affairs of cities and municipalities. It was founded to promote cooperation between Arab cities in the fields of urban planning, sustainable development, and expertise exchange to achieve the welfare of Arab citizens. The ‘Arab Cities Day’ is an annual occasion to inspire everyone to work together to develop Arab cities that protect their cultural heritage with the future aspirations.