Mayors and city leaders from more than 30 cities from across the Arab world participated in an executive dinner hosted by Expo City Dubai, to discuss a shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous Arab urban future.
The meeting was held in Al Wasl Square, following the end of the opening ceremony of the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors Forum 2025, in the presence of Her Excellency Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of the Dubai Expo City Authority, and the Ministers of State, Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, and Her Excellency Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar. The meeting was an opportunity that allowed city leaders to emphasize collective responsibility to address regional challenges – including the ability of urban centers to adapt to water issues and the challenges of rapid growth and youth employment – through cooperation and joint action between all parties.
The meeting was attended by representatives of mayors and deputy mayors from cities in various major Arab markets, including Riyadh, Dubai and Casablanca.
The meeting comes at a crucial stage given the rapid pace of urban expansion witnessed in the region, as Arab cities are among the fastest growing urban cities in the world. A report from the United Nations Human Settlements Program indicated that the number of the Arab world’s population living in urban areas is expected to reach 65 percent by 2030 – underscoring the urgent need to coordinate cities’ efforts in the areas of resilience, infrastructure and inclusive growth.
Joint Arab cooperation efforts, based on deep cultural and historical ties, remain an essential element in the UAE’s strategy towards strengthening economic alliances and partnerships with countries across the region. The meeting participants stressed their collective commitment to developing policies, planning, and building partnerships that can enhance investment in regional infrastructure.
The meeting also stressed the need to focus on collective cooperation in confronting and solving problems, and formed a dynamic platform for mutual learning. The participants considered that each Arab city, regardless of its current level of development, possesses unique visions that support the common development process.
Arab cities play an essential role in the global urban landscape. Therefore, the summit provides it with a vital platform to exchange knowledge and experiences, and interact with cities around the world to enhance its presence during their sustainable growth process. Mayors and city leaders from around the world are participating in the three-day World Cities Summit, which is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai.
