AUDI Concludes Its Participation in ATO’s 20th General Conference in Salalah
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.
On the first day, AUDI participated in the ATO Executive Council Meeting and organized two sessions focusing on the future of sustainable urban mobility and the role of ATO institutions in empowering Arab cities.
Under the title “The Future of Sustainable Urban Mobility in Arab Cities,” AUDI launched its report, Sustainable Urban Mobility in Arab Cities: Practices and Innovative Solutions. Prepared with support from the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the report examines the transformations taking place in urban mobility systems across Arab cities. The session also addressed challenges related to financing, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure preparedness, while exploring opportunities for knowledge exchange, enhancing regional cooperation, and the development of more sustainable and inclusive solutions.
AUDI also organized a workshop titled “Enhancing ATO Institutions Role in Empowering Arab Cities.” The workshop brought together ATO institutions and representatives from cities and municipalities to strengthen alignment between institutional roles and city needs, raise awareness of institutional mandates and strategic directions, and identify cities’ current and future priorities. Discussions focused on translating dialogue into practical outcomes and recommendations that could provide a foundation for initiatives, action plans, and institutional frameworks to be pursued following the conference.
On the second day, AUDI convened roundtable discussions bringing together city leaders and mayors participating in the conference to address key issues and priorities related to the future of Arab cities.
The first session, titled “Towards an Arab Urban Development Agenda,” was moderated by AUDI Director General, Dr. Anas Mofarreh Almughairy. Participants included H.E. Eng. Ammar Musa Kazim, Mayor of Baghdad; H.E. Jamal Matar Al Nuaimi, Director General of Doha Municipality; H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghassani, Mayor of Dhofar; and H.E. Eng. Samah Daldoul, Acting Mayor of Tunis. The session discussed findings from AUDI’s “Arab Urban Development Barometer 2026” report, which provides a comprehensive institutional assessment of more than 76 Arab municipalities and city administrations. It also engaged the audience through live polls, with the results displayed on-screen during the discussion.
The second session, titled “Urban Recovery and Opportunities for Arab Cities Reconstruction,” explored priorities and development opportunities. Participants included H.E. Mr. Ahmed Osman Hamza, Governor of Khartoum State; H.E. Eng. Ibrahim Zaidan, Mayor of Beirut; and H.E. Eng. Talal Jalal Al-Jabri, Head of the Aleppo City Council. The discussion explored avenues to rebuilding and developing cities while preserving their urban identity and historical heritage, while highlighting the importance of engaging communities, institutions, and international funds in reconstruction efforts.
Notably, AUDI reaffirmed its role as a leading platform for urban cooperation through its participation in the conference, bringing cities and institutions together to address key urban priorities, strengthen collaboration, and exchange knowledge and expertise. The engagement further contributed to shaping shared visions and priorities that support sustainable urban development across Arab cities.