MENA Region Leads the Way in Sustainable Smart Cities

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable urban development, driven by ambitious initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. With 60% of the region’s population projected to live in urban areas by 2030, countries are making significant investments in smart city projects to meet the demands of rapid urbanization.

The UAE is at the forefront with projects like Masdar City, a hub for clean technology and innovative design, and Zayed International Airport, which incorporates smart infrastructure for enhanced efficiency. Saudi Arabia is redefining urban landscapes with giga projects like NEOM, an eco-friendly smart city powered by clean energy, alongside smart initiatives in Riyadh, Makkah, Jeddah, and other key cities as part of Vision 2030.

Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Sustainable Development at Masdar City, highlighted the city’s role as a pioneer in net-zero urban projects, including Masdar City Square and The Link. These initiatives aim to drive innovation in sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, life sciences, Agri-tech, and smart mobility.

The World Future Energy Summit 2025, hosted by Masdar at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from January 14-16, will showcase these advancements as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). A key feature is the Sustainable Cities Conference, focusing on transformative urban development and the adoption of smart technologies for energy optimization, waste management, and climate-resilient designs.

Frost & Sullivan estimates that the UAE and Saudi Arabia will invest $50 billion in smart city projects by 2025. Abu Dhabi has gained recognition as a leader in sustainable urban development, thanks to its Estidama Pearl Rating system, which promotes eco-friendly building designs. Dubai is advancing its smart city agenda with projects like Dubai Walk, designed to boost pedestrian mobility by 25% by 2040.

Qatar and Oman are also embracing smart urban development. Lusail City in Qatar features GSAS-rated buildings, green landscapes, and district cooling with smart services. Oman’s Sultan Haitham City aligns with Vision 2040, focusing on data-driven sustainability with solar facilities and waste-to-energy plants.

The Sustainable Cities Conference will bring together government leaders, urban planners, sustainability experts, and technology innovators to explore the future of smart urban environments. Panel discussions will address topics such as AI-powered cognitive buildings, community resilience, and partnerships between public and private sectors.

The conference is one of seven streams at the World Future Energy Summit, covering key areas like solar energy, green finance, eMobility, and pathways to achieve global climate goals. These initiatives demonstrate MENA’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, positioning the region as a leader in creating future-ready cities.