Prince Dr. Faisal bin Ayyaf has issued a decree to establish the Advisory Board of the Arab Urban Development Institute.

His Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, President of the Arab Urban Development Institute, has issued a decree forming the Advisory Council of the Institute. This council comprises six experts in urban development, urban planning, and sustainable development on both regional and global levels. It is intended to serve as a robust support for the Institute’s efforts to realize its ambitious vision of developing Arab cities and improving the quality of life within them.

The board will play a crucial role in enhancing AUDI’s outreach and strengthening its strategic relationships with regional and global urban organizations. Additionally, it will provide insights, ideas, and advice to ensure the Institute’s sustainability and the achievement of its vision and objectives. The board will also review the Institute’s strategy and programs, propose efficient and effective implementation mechanisms, and suggest initiatives to bolster AUDI’s presence and qualitative contributions to urban and municipal improvement. Building on its members’ expertise and professional networks, the board will explore opportunities to fund the Institute’s activities and ensure its financial sustainability.

The Advisory board of the Arab Urban Development Institute consists of six experts in urban development: Dr. Anas Al Mughairy, Director General of AUDI; Mr. Tom Murphy, Former Mayor of Pittsburgh, USA, and member of the Urban Land Institute’s Board of Directors; Professor Robert Cervero, an expert in urban planning; Dr. Fouad Malkawi, an urban planning and finance expert at the World Bank; Dr. Neila Akremi, Director of International Cooperation at the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) and Director of Capacity Building Working Group at the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG); and Dr. Yasser Elsheshtawy, a professor at Columbia University, USA, and expert in Arab city development.

Through its strategy, AUDI aims, among other things, to significantly contribute to urban policy research related to development priorities in Arab cities and municipalities, providing opportunities for specialized research centers to participate in the development and growth of these cities and diversifying the outputs of the Institute’s programs and activities to align with the aspirations of its partners.

AUDI also aims to build a communication network between Arab cities, municipalities, and global organizations in urban development, fostering mutual cooperation among them. Additionally, it seeks to support cities and municipalities through specialized programs that develop institutional capacities and cultivate promising leadership, contributing to the efficient and effective implementation of initiatives.