Our Mission
To equip cities across the Arab region with evidence‑based urban knowledge, practical training, and peer exchange, amplifying city agendas, strengthening leadership, and turning shared experiences into actionable programs.
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is the first specialized Arab organization dedicated to urban development and advancing municipal cooperation across the Arab region. Since its establishment, it has established itself as a leading reference and a distinctive platform that unites Arab cities to exchange knowledge, expertise, and collaboration, while continuing to play a pivotal role in supporting municipal processes and promoting urban development throughout the region.
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To equip cities across the Arab region with evidence‑based urban knowledge, practical training, and peer exchange, amplifying city agendas, strengthening leadership, and turning shared experiences into actionable programs.
Read MoreA leading Arab institution where knowledge is disseminated, leadership is cultivated, and collaboration turns ideas into practice, shaping the future of our cities.
Read MoreThe Urban Research and Policy Program seeks to bridge the gap between rapidly evolving knowledge and technologies pertinent to urban development and the fragmented implementation of urban initiatives in Arab cities. It does so by producing policy-oriented reports that examine regional and global development trends, assess municipal practices, and disseminate insights through various Arab Urban Development Institute’s platforms. The program draws on a range of research tools, including databases, studies, reports, and the design and evaluation of pilot projects. It also applies to a participatory approach, involving stakeholders such as municipalities, professional associations, the private sector, international organizations, and academic partners in data collection, analysis, project development, and evaluation
ExploreThe Partnerships and City Dialogue Program provides a platform for strengthening cooperation and fostering the exchange of knowledge and expertise among Arab cities and regional and international partners. It achieves this by organizing and managing specialized dialogues, forums, and events that address key urban issues and challenges. The program also supports the development of strategic partnerships, showcases leading experiences and best practices, and AUDI's role as a regional hub for dialogue and knowledge exchange in urban development areas.
ExploreExplore our news, periodic newsletter, and audiovisual publications.
The third round of sessions of the Thematic Clusters for the Arab European Cities Dialogue Forum (AECD) was concluded on September 10, 2026. The meetings were held from September 7 to 10, as part of a series organized by AUDI in preparation for the Forum, scheduled to take place in Madrid, Spain, in January 2027, with the participation of representatives from Arab and European cities, international organizations, and academic institutions.
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The Arab Institute for Urban Development (AUDI) concluded its participation in the 20th General Conference of the Arab Towns Organization (ATO) and the 64th Executive Council Meeting, held in Dhofar Governorate, Sultanate of Oman, on September 7–8, 2026. The event brought together leaders from Arab cities and municipalities, as well as ATO institutions, to address major issues and priorities pertinent to the future of urban development in Arab cities.
During its participation in the 20th General Assembly of the Arab Towns Organization (ATO) in Salalah, Sultanate of Oman, the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) launched its report titled: “Sustainable Urban Mobility in Arab Cities - Innovative Practices and Solutions.” The report was launched during a specialized session titled “The Future of Sustainable Urban Mobility in Arab Cities,” which brought together a number of Arab city leaders to address the transformations forming urban mobility systems and the challenges and opportunities associated with their development. The report provides an analytical overview of the current state of urban mobility in the Arab region, drawing on a comparative analysis of leading global experiences and a comprehensive assessment of 60 urban mobility projects across Arab cities. The assessment covers several areas, including governance and community participation, environmental sustainability and resilience, economic development, social justice, and innovation, providing deeper insight into the factors affecting the success and impact of urban mobility initiatives. The session was opened by H.E. Dr. Anas Almughairy, AUDI Director General, who announced the launch of the report. Dr. Ziad Ahmad Alameddine, Director of the Urban Policy Research Program at AUDI, then presented the report’s methodology and key findings. The session also featured a discussion on the experiences of Arab cities and the challenges they face in implementing sustainable mobility solutions, along with a review of relevant practices and lessons learned. The report identifies the need to enhance integration among the components of urban mobility systems as the main challenge facing Arab cities. This includes improving connectivity between different modes of transport and strengthening coordination among stakeholders. It also emphasizes the importance of achieving a better balance between large-scale infrastructure projects and low-cost solutions, such as active mobility and improved accessibility, while more effectively integrating socio-economic considerations into urban mobility policies. In light of these findings, the report proposes an integrated framework for developing urban mobility systems in Arab cities based on three interconnected pillars: integrated governance that promotes institutional coordination and stakeholder engagement; human- and climate-centric design that supports behavioral change and enhances the user experience; and financing and implementation models that promote the economic and operational sustainability of projects. The report also presents practical recommendations to strengthen the integration of policies and infrastructure and develop more efficient, resilient, and equitable transportation systems in Arab cities. The report was prepared by AUDI with support from the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, as part of the project “Supporting Green Activities in Selected Arab Cities – Participatory Greening of Neighborhoods.” It is primarily based on projects published on the AUDI’s Arab Urban Development Portal, alongside a review of several regional and international experiences in sustainable urban mobility. The session concluded with a discussion on the most prominent challenges facing cities in implementing sustainable mobility solutions, practical experiences and lessons learned, the role of regional cooperation and financing in accelerating the transition to more sustainable urban transportation systems, and the importance of enhancing the exchange of knowledge and expertise among Arab cities.
A platform that brings together all the Institute's digital and audio publications, including interviews, newsletters, podcasts, and knowledge materials, to support the exchange of expertise and knowledge in urban development and municipal work.
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