Director General of the Arab Urban Development Institute
The Institute seeks to enhance its role as a leading and influential think tank supporting cities
In light of the changes taking place in our cities, the Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) aims to solidify its role as leading institution that supports cities in the Arab region to address their urban development challenges. We seek to accomplish this by contributing progressive ideas and innovative practices, spearheading capacity-development initiatives for institutions and municipalities, and acting as the primary platform for networking and knowledge sharing between cities,municipalities, universities, and regional and international organizations within the domain of urban development. To realize our aspirations, we have taken several principal steps towards a holistic and systematic transformation, as outlinedin our institutional strategic plan, the AUDI Strategy 2025.
Built on inputs from an envisioning workshop, benchmarking exercise, and interviews held with key informants, this strategy is based on a comprehensive understanding of the various challenges and opportunities faced by Arab cities and municipalities today. It responds to their needs, as well as their aims of modernization and prosperity, through a set of programs and activities targeting our partners and the member cities of the Arab Towns Organization. Furthermore, the strategy stresses the need for strengthening AUDI’s identity, amplifying the institute’s digital presence through a revitalized website and social media channels, developing communication channels with partners, and building partnerships at the regional and international levels for effective program implementation.
At the organizational level, we have streamlined AUDI’s operational structure with the aim of enhancing efficiency in the workplace, informed by key performance indicators that are regularly monitored and evaluated by the management. Moreover, the institute’s human resources have been strengthened with qualified professionals in the field of urban development, who drive the implementation of AUDI’s three programs and their respective activities. These changes have been accompanied by the modernization of our workspace within the existing AUDI premises. A vibrant setting, in a building enveloped by natural lighting and a variety of flora, fosters collaboration and creativity within the team.
